The investigation into the attack on Saif Ali Khan appears to have encountered significant issues, leading to scrutiny over the effectiveness of the Mumbai Police’s handling of the case.
There was a case where a man named Akash Kailash Kanaujia was wrongly detained as a suspect, resulting in severe personal repercussions including job loss and a broken marriage proposal. This incident highlights a potential error in identifying the real culprit initially.
“There are even discrepancies on the versions given by the family members, the staff and the doctors at the hospital. Moreover, when the entire family was at home how did no one came to rescue or take him to the hospital? Even the question remains as which of his son took saif to the hospital? “
Reports mention that the fingerprints found at the crime scene did not match those of the arrested accused, raising doubts about the accuracy of the investigation’s fingerprint analysis. This has been reported by both media and police sources, indicating a possible misidentification or mishandling of evidence.
There were claims that the facial features of the accused did not match the individual seen in the CCTV footage from Saif Ali Khan’s residence, further questioning the arrest made by the police.
Public sentiment, as reflected in some social media posts, criticized the Mumbai Police for their perceived inefficiency in the investigation, likening them to “Keystone kops” and pointing out the lack of resolution in other high-profile cases.
“The other serious doubt raised by many is the way Saif Ali Khan walked out of the hospital as if nothing has happened. Khan’s swift recovery after sustaining multiple stab wounds and undergoing surgery has raised questions about how he managed to walk shortly after the procedure. “
Although Khan suffered six knife wounds, the critical areas affected were addressed promptly. The successful removal of a knife lodged near his thoracic spine during neurosurgery was a pivotal aspect of his treatment.
Advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care have made early mobilization a standard practice. Encouraging patients to move soon after surgery can prevent complications and promote faster healing. But how fast is the question raised by many.
It’s important to note that recovery experiences vary based on individual health, the severity of injuries, and the effectiveness of medical interventions. Khan’s ability to walk shortly after surgery reflects a combination of his physical condition, the prompt and skilled medical response, and modern post-operative care practices.
The combination of these elements suggests that there might have been significant errors or oversights in the investigative process. However, it’s important to note that these criticisms are based on specific reports and public sentiment, and the full scope of the police’s work might not be reflected in these accounts. The ongoing nature of the investigation means that new developments could alter the current perception.
Following the attack on Saif Ali Khan at his residence in Bandra on January 16, 2025, the Mumbai Police launched an immediate investigation. They formed multiple teams, reportedly around 20, to locate the suspect. The urgency was highlighted due to the high-profile nature of the victim.
The police used CCTV footage extensively to track the movements of the accused. They reviewed footage from nearly 500 cameras to trace the path of Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad from Saif’s building to various locations like Bandra, Khar, and Thane. This included identifying the suspect by the colour and pattern of his shoes, which was a crucial element in tracking him.
The accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was arrested in Thane after a manhunt involving more than 48 hours. He was found hiding in dense mangroves in Thane, tracked down with the help of a labour contractor who provided police with information about his whereabouts. The suspect was brought to Bandra for further questioning.
After his arrest, Shehzad was sent to five days of police custody by a Mumbai court to investigate the possibility of an international conspiracy, given his Bangladeshi nationality and the illegal status of his stay in India. The police sought to explore the motives behind the attack and any potential accomplices.
The police recreated the crime scene with Shehzad to understand the sequence of events better, including how he managed to enter the building by scaling a wall while the security guards were asleep. This was part of piecing together the timeline and method of the intrusion.
Fingerprints were collected from Khan’s residence, although initial reports suggested a mismatch with Shehzad’s prints, leading to further investigation into other possible individuals involved. Blood samples and clothes from both the victim and the accused were also sent for forensic analysis.
Several people, including staff members and security guards from Khan’s residence, were interrogated. This included questioning individuals who might have had insider knowledge or facilitated the crime, especially after initial findings suggested no forced entry.
The police dealt with significant public and media attention due to Khan’s celebrity status. They managed information dissemination, including addressing speculation and misinformation, particularly around the identity and nationality of the accused.