Mumbai: Mumbai Police have arrested Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad aka Vijay Das, the prime suspect in the stabbing of actor Saif Ali Khan, on Sunday. At a press conference, DCP confirmed that Shahzad is suspected to be a Bangladeshi national who entered India illegally.

Shahzad, who had changed his name to Vijay Das, was employed at a housekeeping agency in Mumbai after entering the country around 5-6 months ago. Investigations revealed that he had used multiple aliases and did not possess any valid Indian documents to support his claim of Indian nationality. 

His arrest followed a joint operation conducted by the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Kasarvadavali police. He was apprehended near the Hiranandani Estate in Thane after a 70-hour manhunt, approximately 35 kilometres from Saif Ali Khan’s residence.

The attack occurred when Shahzad entered the actor’s Bandra residence to commit robbery. After a scuffle with Saif Ali Khan’s home staff, the attacker stabbed the actor six times before fleeing the scene. Saif Ali Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital and underwent multiple surgeries, though he is said to be recovering and is now in stable condition.

Shahzad, who had used multiple aliases, including Vijay Das and Mohammad Ilyas, was caught on CCTV footage buying headphones in Dadar shortly after the attack. Police investigations revealed that he had worked previously at a pub in Mumbai, and following the attack, he had tried to cover his tracks by using false identities. 

Lima, Saif Ali Khan’s staff member, was the first to spot the attacker and attempted to stop him, which resulted in injuries to her hand. According to her statement, the attacker was described as a slim, dark-complexioned man in his late thirties.

Despite his aggressive behavior during the attack, Shahzad did not take any jewelry, which was left untouched in Saif’s home. 

The police have stated that Shahzad had no valid Indian documents, and preliminary evidence suggests he is originally from Bangladesh. The investigation is ongoing, and Shahzad is expected to be produced in court for remand.