In a significant development in the Saif Ali Khan attack case, forensic analysis has confirmed that the accused, Shariful Islam, matches the individual captured in the CCTV footage from the actor's residence. This finding strengthens the case against Islam, who is alleged to have assaulted the Bollywood star during a burglary attempt.
Incident Overview
On January 16, 2025, an intruder broke into Saif Ali Khan's apartment in Mumbai's Bandra area. When confronted, the intruder attacked Khan, resulting in multiple stab wounds. The actor was hospitalized and underwent surgery but has since been discharged and is recovering.
Arrest of Shariful Islam
Following the incident, Mumbai Police arrested Shariful Islam, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national who had allegedly entered India illegally and was residing under the alias Vijay Das. Islam was apprehended in Thane on January 19, 2025.
Forensic Evidence and Facial Recognition
To establish Islam's involvement, authorities utilized facial recognition technology. The Forensic Science Laboratory in Kalina conducted a detailed comparison between Islam's facial features and those captured in the CCTV footage from Khan's building. The analysis confirmed a positive match, indicating that Islam is the individual seen in the footage descending the stairs of the building on the night of the attack.
Additional Evidence
Beyond the facial recognition results, the police have gathered substantial evidence linking Islam to the crime. This includes mobile phone location data, IP address details, and information from over a dozen CCTV cameras. These pieces of evidence collectively strengthen the case against Islam.
Defense and Family's Response
Despite the mounting evidence, Islam's father has asserted that his son is being wrongfully implicated. He claims that the individual seen in the CCTV footage is not his son and has expressed intentions to approach Bangladesh's foreign ministry and the Indian High Commission to seek his son's release.
Legal Proceedings
The Mumbai Police have extended Islam's custody to facilitate further investigation, including the completion of forensic analyses and the recovery of additional evidence. They are also working to match footprints found at Khan's residence with the shoes worn by the accused, which have yet to be recovered.
Conclusion
The confirmation of the facial recognition match marks a pivotal point in the investigation into the attack on Saif Ali Khan. As the legal process continues, the authorities remain committed to ensuring a thorough and impartial inquiry, upholding justice for all parties involved.
