Mohammad Shariful Islam, the Bangladeshi national accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan in January 2025, has applied for bail, claiming the FIR against him is an "imaginary story" and that he is innocent. The incident occurred on January 16 at Khan's Bandra residence, where the actor sustained multiple stab wounds and was hospitalized for emergency surgery.
Islam's bail plea, filed through advocate Vipul Dushing, asserts his innocence and states that he has no prior criminal record. The plea also claims that the investigation is practically concluded, with only the chargesheet remaining to be filed, and that critical evidence, including CCTV footage and call records, is already with the prosecution. Islam's defense argues that he poses no risk of tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
The bail application also raises concerns about procedural lapses during Islam's arrest, citing non-compliance with Section 47 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This section requires the police to inform an accused person of the grounds for their arrest and their right to bail. The plea cites Supreme Court and High Court orders stating that failure to furnish the reasons for arrest renders the arrest illegal.
According to the chargesheet, Islam was apprehended two days after the attack in a Thane forest, where he had been hiding in a makeshift shelter. The 900-page chargesheet reportedly includes forensic evidence linking him to the attack. Initial reports suggested the attack occurred around 2:15 am on January 16 when Islam allegedly broke into Khan's residence.
Islam's defense claims that the FIR is fabricated and that he has cooperated fully with the police investigation. He was previously dismissed from jobs for petty theft. Reports indicate that the attacker was unaware of Khan's celebrity status and targeted the residence randomly.
An earlier bail plea from April 9 was withdrawn after police filed the extensive chargesheet. The court has adjourned the matter to July 21 for the prosecution's reply.
