In the ongoing investigation into the January 16 attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Mumbai Police have requested facial recognition technology to confirm whether the arrested suspect, Shareeful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, is indeed the individual seen in CCTV footage from the building housing the actor’s apartment in Bandra.
The Incident: Saif Ali Khan Stabbed Inside His Flat
Saif Ali Khan, the actor known for his roles in Bollywood films, was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a knife-wielding intruder in his 12th-floor apartment in the Satguru Sharan building on January 16. The attack occurred in the early hours, and Khan sustained severe injuries, including to his neck and near his spine. He was immediately admitted to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent two surgeries. After a few days of recovery, Khan was discharged on January 21.
The Arrest: Shareeful Islam Fakir in Custody
Mumbai Police arrested the 30-year-old Bangladeshi national, Fakir, on January 19, after analyzing CCTV footage from the apartment complex. The footage showed an individual on the staircase, and following this, Fakir was apprehended. The police have now produced Fakir before a magistrate’s court, where his police custody was extended until January 29.
The police are continuing their investigation and have stated that Fakir’s facial recognition needs to be confirmed, as there are claims from his father that the person seen in the footage is not his son. This has led to speculation online, with some social media users asserting that the man arrested might not be the one shown in the footage.
Ongoing Investigation and Further Custody
The Mumbai Police argued that Fakir’s continued custody is necessary for further interrogation and recovery of key evidence, including the missing knife used in the attack and footprints found at Khan’s residence. The police also mentioned that Fakir’s shoes from the incident have not yet been recovered, and he is not cooperating with the investigation.
Furthermore, the Bangladeshi driving license recovered from Fakir confirmed his nationality, adding to the complexity of the case, which involves potential fraudulent identity documents. The police are also investigating who assisted Fakir in obtaining fake Aadhaar and PAN cards under the name Vijay Das to stay in India.
Defense Lawyer’s Argument
Fakir’s defense lawyers, Dinesh Prajapati and Sandeep Sherkahne, opposed the police’s request for extended remand. They raised doubts about the credibility of the incident, arguing that Saif Ali Khan had ample time to call the police for help but did not do so. They also contended that the remand was unnecessary for recovering evidence and suggested Fakir should be moved to judicial custody.
Next Steps
As the investigation continues, the Mumbai Police are focused on confirming the identity of the accused and recovering further evidence. The case remains high-profile, given the prominence of Saif Ali Khan and the severity of the attack. The outcome of the facial recognition process and further legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the future of the case.
Mumbai Police seeks facial recognition to confirm the identity of Saif Ali Khan’s attacker, Shareeful Islam Fakir. Further investigation ongoing.
