Mumbai Police have arrested Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national accused of attacking Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence on January 16. The police tracked Shehzad, who entered India illegally and assumed the alias Bijoy Das, using a Google Pay (GPay) transaction that eventually led to his capture in Thane.
Digital Clue Cracks the Case
According to police sources, the accused bought a paratha and a bottle of water near Century Mill in Worli and made the payment via GPay. This transaction provided investigators with his mobile number, which became the pivotal clue in locating him. The trail led to Thane, where police, with the help of over 100 officers, conducted an extensive search near a dense mangrove area.
“Initially, the police team had almost left the spot but decided to search again. Using torchlight, they spotted someone sleeping on the ground. As the officer approached, the suspect woke up and tried to escape but was quickly overpowered,” a source revealed.
The Night of the Incident
Shehzad confessed to entering Saif Ali Khan’s upscale Bandra residence in the Satguru Sharan building with the intent of theft. After scaling a pipe and entering the flat through the bathroom window, he demanded Rs.1 crore, startling the actor’s nanny. Hearing the commotion, Saif intervened and tried to pin him down. The accused, however, stabbed the actor in the back before fleeing the scene.
Police recovered items like a hammer, screwdriver, and nylon rope from Shehzad’s bag, hinting at a possible history of criminal activities.
How Police Traced the Suspect
Investigators began their search by analyzing CCTV footage from Bandra railway station, which showed Shehzad traveling to Dadar, where he purchased a mobile cover with cash. The trail went cold until police surveillance spotted him at a Worli stall, where he interacted with the owner, Naveen Ekka.
Ekka’s confirmation of Shehzad’s GPay payment led police to track his mobile number and pinpoint his location in Thane.
Attacker’s Fear and Escape
After realizing his photos were circulating on TV and social media, Shehzad fled Bandra and sought refuge in Thane. Police found that he had previously worked in a bar in the area, making it familiar territory for him.
“He slept at a bus stop near Patwardhan Garden in Bandra West until 7 a.m. on the day of the incident and then boarded a train to Worli,” said a police official.
Saif Ali Khan’s Account
The actor and his family, who were at home during the incident, were left shaken. Although Saif sustained injuries, he managed to protect his family during the altercation.
Investigation and Future Steps
The police are probing Shehzad’s background to determine if he was involved in similar crimes. His possession of tools commonly associated with burglaries and his illegal entry into India are raising further questions.
This case highlights the importance of digital forensics in modern investigations and showcases the Mumbai Police’s quick response to high-profile incidents.
Conclusion
Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad’s arrest marks a critical step toward justice in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case. The digital footprint left behind by the GPay transaction underscores how technology can aid law enforcement in tracking down suspects efficiently.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for heightened security measures, even in elite residential areas, to prevent such crimes.
