Chargesheet uncovers fresh details in Saif Ali Khan stabbing investigation

The attacker fled the scene unaware he had injured a Bollywood star.

Listen to article

Mumbai Police have filed a detailed 1,000-page chargesheet in the violent stabbing incident involving Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, shedding new light on the attack and the accused's actions before and after the crime.

The incident occurred on 16 January 2025, when 30-year-old Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, originally from Bangladesh, allegedly broke into Saif’s Bandra residence during the early hours, armed with a knife, hacksaw blade, and hammer, intending to commit robbery.

According to the chargesheet, Shehzad initially tried to enter through the main gate but was blocked by the building's fingerprint security system. He then accessed the duct area at the rear of the building, climbed several floors, and gained entry to the flat from the first-floor level before reaching the eighth floor where the actor resides.

Once inside, the accused attacked the caretaker, Eliyama Philip, with a knife and demanded money. Saif intervened, engaging in a struggle with the intruder and was stabbed in the back and torso during the altercation.

Police said the attacker did not know he was confronting a celebrity until after the assault, at which point he panicked and fled the scene.

Forensic reports confirmed that the knife fragments recovered from Saif's wounds, the crime scene, and the accused were from the same weapon. Police also recovered matching fingerprints from the duct area and secured statements from over 70 witnesses, including Saif, his wife Kareena Kapoor, their staff, and neighbours.

After the attack, the accused travelled from Bandra to Dadar, stopping at National College bus stop to change clothes. He then spent the night nearby, discarded his clothes and knife near Bandra Talao, and bought food and headphones before heading back to his residence in Worli.

Saif was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent surgery on 21 January and was later discharged. Since then, security has been increased around the actor's home, and both he and Kareena have limited public appearances of their children, Taimur and Jeh.

Police say the accused acted alone and was motivated purely by robbery. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking a swift trial under charges including attempted murder, unlawful entry, and assault with a deadly weapon.

Saif Ali Khan has since resumed professional engagements and is said to be recovering well.