Mumbai: In a shocking turn of events, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan’s attacker, Shariful Islam, revealed that his main goal was not to harm the actor but to steal from his residence, according to statements made to the Bandra police. The 30-year-old suspect, who had allegedly attempted a break-in at the actor’s Bandra home and later stabbed him, was arrested after a detailed investigation.
The incident occurred earlier this week, sparking a media frenzy as details of the attack began to unfold. On Thursday, the police recorded Saif Ali Khan’s statement at his residence, “Satguru Sharan,” as part of the investigation. A police officer confirmed that the investigation was nearing its conclusion, stating, “We recorded the actor’s statement, and we are now finalizing the details of the case.”
Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was presented before a Metropolitan Magistrate court in Bandra on Friday after completing his five-day police remand. The police investigation revealed that Islam had visited a salon owned by a local entrepreneur in Koliwada, Worli, after the attack, where he altered his appearance to evade recognition. Additionally, the authorities questioned an autorickshaw driver, Bhajanlal Singh, who had driven the actor to Lilavati Hospital following the attack.
During questioning, Islam claimed that his financial difficulties, following a job loss in December, pushed him to attempt a robbery. He admitted that his original intent was to steal money, not to cause harm, and even expressed a desire to be deported to Bangladesh. Islam explained that he had planned to flee the country after a successful theft, using the same route he entered India.
The police also uncovered a Bangladeshi voter card and a certificate on Islam’s mobile phone, leading to further scrutiny of his identity. At the scene of the crime, investigators found critical evidence, including tools like a screwdriver, hammer, and a broken knife, which Islam had discarded after the attack. Fingerprints collected from various surfaces inside Saif Ali Khan’s home also matched Islam’s.
A police officer confirmed that Islam’s fingerprints were consistent with those found on the door handles inside the actor’s home, further implicating him in the crime. The investigation has pointed to Islam being a Bangladeshi national, with several pieces of corroborating evidence linking him to the break-in attempt.
