Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Lawyer Disputes Claims Of Accused’s Bangladeshi Origin, Alleges Procedural Lapses

Amid the ongoing investigation into the stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, a new angle has surfaced as the accused's lawyer questioned claims regarding his Bangladeshi nationality.

Advocate Sandeep Sherkhane argued that the police have no evidence to substantiate that Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, the accused, is a Bangladeshi citizen.

Photo Credit: PTI Video

Following Shehzad's arrest on Sunday morning in Hiranandani Estate, Thane, police alleged that he had entered India from Bangladesh six months ago. However, Sherkhane dismissed these accusations, asserting that his client has been residing in Mumbai with his family for over seven years.

"Police custody for five days has been granted, and the court has directed them to submit a report within this timeframe. The police have no evidence that he is Bangladeshi. The claim that he arrived six months ago is baseless. This is a clear violation of Section 43A, as no proper investigation has been conducted," Sherkhane stated.

VIDEO | Attack on Saif Ali Khan: Counsel of accused Sandeep Sherkhane says, "There are lapses, the notice was not complied as per the guidelines of the SC. Police custody was given. There is no mention of threatening of life, murder in remand copy, FIR copy. Despite that,… pic.twitter.com/Ya3uf3L89y

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 19, 2025

He further alleged procedural failings in the case and challenged the basis on which police custody was granted.

"There are lapses. The notice was not adhered to in line with Supreme Court guidelines. Police custody was granted, but there is no mention of a threat to life or murder in the remand or FIR copies. Despite this, charges have been applied. There was no intent to kill," Sherkhane added.

Another lawyer representing the accused, Dinesh Prajapati, also rejected the allegations, claiming his client has been living in Mumbai with his family.

"The police sought custody, but the justification provided was inadequate," Prajapati said. "We argued in his defence that nothing has been recovered from him and no documents proving he is Bangladeshi have been presented by the police. Nevertheless, the court granted a five-day custody."

#WATCH | | Saif Ali Khan attack case | Accused Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzads advocate Dinesh Prajapati says, "The police demanded police custody and the grounds given by the police for the police custody are not sufficient...We have given in his (accused) defence that nothing… pic.twitter.com/frWSyB3iwT

— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025

Shehzad, aged 30, is accused of assaulting Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence in the early hours of Thursday. The alleged intruder reportedly broke into Khan's upscale home and stabbed him multiple times with a knife.

The actor suffered injuries to his neck and near his spine and is currently receiving treatment at Lilavati Hospital, where his condition is stable.

Police are investigating whether the attack was premeditated and if Shehzad had any accomplices. Authorities believe further interrogation will reveal more details about the motive behind the attack.