Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: Bangladeshi suspect's fingerprints partially match
What's the story
The investigation into the stabbing of actor Saif Ali Khan has progressed by leaps and bounds, with preliminary fingerprint reports connecting the prime suspect, Shariful Islam, to the crime.
Mumbai Police sources confirmed that several fingerprints from Shariful matched with those found at the crime scene.
However, authorities are still awaiting a final report to substantiate these preliminary findings and bolster their case against the accused.
Identification
Khan's staff identified Shariful as the attacker
Earlier this year, Khan was assaulted at his Mumbai home by an intruder later identified as Shariful, a Bangladeshi national. The attack left the actor severely injured and necessitated emergency surgeries.
Two staff members present during the incident, Eliyamma Phillip and Junu, later identified Shariful as the assailant.
This identification was further confirmed through a facial recognition test conducted by Mumbai Police on January 31, which matched Shariful to CCTV footage from the attack.
Arrest details
Shariful's arrest and charges under the Indian Penal Code
Shariful was apprehended three days after the attack, with his arrest raising doubts among some social media users if the right man had been arrested.
These doubts were put to rest when Khan's staff members confirmed Shariful's identity and a facial recognition test by Mumbai Police further confirmed his arrest.
The police have since booked Shariful under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of attempted murder and trespassing.
Escape plan
Shariful's planned escape and advocate's denial of charges
The police have collected a lot of evidence against Shariful, including his travel history from Bangladesh to India.
It was found that he had stayed at several places in Kolkata before arriving in Mumbai.
Authorities also learned that Shariful planned to escape back to his native village in Bangladesh but was arrested from Hiranandani Estate in Thane.
However, his advocate Sandeep Shekhane refuted the police's claims and alleged that "no proper investigation" had been conducted.
Actor's recovery
Khan's recovery and return to his Bandra residence
Khan was discharged from Lilavati Hospital after his surgery on January 21. He briefly greeted the media on returning to his Bandra residence.
The investigation into the stabbing case is still underway and final reports and further evidence are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Additional Commissioner of Police Paramjit Singh Dahiya refuted rumors that Shariful's fingerprints didn't match, saying they have found much oral, physical, and technical evidence against him.