Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national, has approached the sessions court seeking bail following his arrest for allegedly stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan during a break-in at Khan’s Bandra residence in the early hours of January 16. The incident resulted in Khan sustaining multiple stab wounds while trying to apprehend the intruder, and he was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for emergency surgery.
In his bail plea, Shariful argues that the FIR filed against him is fabricated, claiming he has been unjustly accused. His plea, scheduled for an April 1 hearing by sessions judge SM Patil, highlights allegations that the case presented by the prosecution lacks credible substance. Shariful was detained two days after the alleged attack, captured by Mumbai Police in Thane.
Initially, Shariful faced charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to robbery, dacoity, and trespassing. However, the police later added Section 109 (attempt to murder). Shariful’s bail application contends that these charges do not meet the legal threshold for an attempt to murder, emphasizing that, even if taken at face value, the witness statements fail to prove intent to commit murder.
The defense, led by Advocate Ajay Gawali, has argued that there is no substantial evidence linking Shariful to the crime. Gawali describes the FIR as an “imaginary story” and asserts that Shariful has cooperated fully with the investigation. The plea further alleges misuse of legal provisions, accusing the prosecution of wrongfully implicating Shariful in a baseless case. Gawali views keeping Shariful in custody as unnecessary, especially with the investigation nearing completion.
The sessions court’s impending decision on April 1 could significantly influence the legal proceedings surrounding Shariful’s case. This incident has generated considerable public interest, given Saif Ali Khan’s celebrity status and the serious nature of the allegations. The outcome may impact how such high-profile cases are perceived and managed in the legal system. As developments unfold, the focus remains on ensuring justice prevails, balancing public sentiment with factual judicial proceedings.
