BY PC Bureau

Facial recognition technology has identified Mohammad Shariful Islam as the person seen in CCTV footage at the scene of actor Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing, Mumbai Police confirmed.

Islam, a Bangladeshi national, allegedly entered Mr. Khan’s Bandra residence on January 16 with the intent to rob. When confronted, the intruder reportedly stabbed the actor six times before fleeing. Mr. Khan, 54, was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery to address a spinal fluid leak caused by a stab wound dangerously close to his spine. After five days of hospitalization, he was discharged and advised bed rest.

Islam was arrested three days later in Thane. Police say his facial features matched those of the person seen entering and exiting Mr. Khan’s building. However, a fingerprint analysis last week failed to match Islam’s prints to those recovered at the scene.

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Islam’s father, Mohammed Ruhul Amin, denied his son’s involvement, alleging political persecution in Bangladesh forced him to flee the country. He claimed Islam’s affiliation with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) made him a target of harassment by the ruling Awami League government.

Speaking to NDTV, Mr. Amin said his son fled to India for safety, intending to find work, and questioned the reliability of CCTV footage identifying him as the attacker. “The man in the footage has long hair, unlike my son, who keeps his hair short,” he argued.

Court Proceedings and Fingerprint Twist

A Mumbai court denied the police’s request for extended custody of Islam, citing insufficient grounds. Despite this, police maintain they have substantial evidence, including the facial recognition match.

In an unexpected development, fingerprint analysis conducted by the CID did not link Islam’s prints to those found at the crime scene. Forensic tests on other items, including the knife and clothing, are ongoing.

Illegal Entry and Motive

Islam reportedly entered India illegally, assuming the alias Bijoy Das. Police suspect he intended to fund fake Indian citizenship documents through the robbery. Efforts are underway to trace individuals who facilitated his entry and stay.

Mistaken Identity Fallout

Meanwhile, a wrongful arrest in the case has sparked controversy. Akash Kanojia, a driver detained in Chhattisgarh after a tip-off, was later released but claims his life has been upended.

“My photo went viral, and now I’ve lost my job and a marriage proposal,” Kanojia told NDTV. His father demanded accountability, stating, “This mistake has destroyed my son’s future.”

Mumbai Police defended their actions, stating that detaining suspects during investigations is standard procedure.