Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case Accused Entered India Via Meghalaya By Crossing Dawki River: Report

New developments in the case involving the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan have revealed that the assailant, Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, a Bangladeshi national, entered India illegally by crossing the Dawki River in Meghalaya approximately seven months ago.

According to a report by The Indian Express, citing the Mumbai Police investigation, Fakir used the Aadhaar card of a West Bengal resident to obtain a SIM card.

The 30-year-old suspect was apprehended in Maharashtra's Thane in the early hours of Sunday, three days after he allegedly broke into Saif Ali Khan's Bandra residence with the intention of committing a robbery. During a scuffle with the actor, Fakir stabbed him six times.

Police have revealed that the accused adopted the alias Bijoy Das after unlawfully entering India. Further investigation has traced his movements leading up to the attack on Saif Ali Khan.

Illegal entry and use of false identity

Preliminary inquiries indicate that the SIM card used by Fakir was registered in the name of Khukumoni Jahangir Sekh from West Bengal. According to police sources, it is suspected that Fakir used Sekh's Aadhaar card to acquire the SIM card.

He reportedly stayed in West Bengal for several weeks and attempted to acquire an Aadhaar card for himself, but failed. Fakir told police that he had studied up to Class 12 in Bangladesh and entered India in search of employment. He claimed to have crossed the Dawki River on the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya before assuming the false identity of Bijoy Das.

Employment without documentation

After spending time in West Bengal, Fakir travelled to Mumbai in search of work. He intentionally chose jobs that did not require him to submit identity documents. A labour contractor named Amit Pandey reportedly helped him secure housekeeping jobs in pubs and hotels in the Thane and Worli areas.

Initially, Fakir claimed to be a resident of Kolkata. However, an analysis of his call records revealed frequent outgoing calls to Bangladesh-based numbers. Fakir had also used mobile applications to contact his family in Bangladesh.

Police later had Fakir make a call to his family. "He called his brother and asked him to send his school leaving certificate. His brother sent it to Fakir's mobile phone. This document is strong evidence to prove he is a Bangladeshi national," an official stated.

Before entering the Satguru Sharan building, where Saif Ali Khan resides on the 12th floor, Fakir had attempted to break into a nearby bungalow belonging to another Bollywood star. However, he was deterred by barking dogs.

Manhunt and arrest

Police revealed that Fakir hid in the garden of the Satguru Sharan building for two hours after stabbing Saif Ali Khan during the attempted burglary. Following a three-day manhunt, authorities tracked him down in Thane with the help of a labour contractor he had contacted and a UPI transaction he made for food.

Saif Ali Khan sustained six stab injuries during the altercation, including two deep wounds to his left hand and neck. He was rushed to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Doctors have since confirmed that the actor is out of danger and recovering in a private room at the hospital.

Political reaction

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised the government over the attacker's entry into the country through Meghalaya, questioning the adequacy of border security measures.

She wrote on X: "The illegal Bangladeshi immigrant who attacked actor Saif Ali Khan entered India via Meghalaya. Yet again raises questions on the failure of Home Minister of India for not having adequate measures in place to safeguard our borders. Shame."

(WIth PTI inputs)