Bandra: In a shocking case that has rocked the Bollywood world, an actor, Saif Ali Khan, was attacked in his home during an attempted home burglary on 16 January. Mumbai police have arrested the assailant, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, a 30-year-old wrestler from Bangladesh.
A day before Shahzad allegedly targeted Khan’s residence, he did reconnaissance at the homes of other famous celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. According to media reports, he was seen hanging around Shah Rukh’s house on January 14, and he reportedly lingered outside Salman’s Galaxy apartment complex, toying with the next move. But he settled on Khan’s home, apparently because he believed it was vulnerable.
The attack occurred around 2:30 AM on Wednesday. Shahzad accosted Khan’s housekeeper, Leema, just before 2:30 AM Khan, however, intervened as she resisted his advances, and there was a violent struggle. Shahzad, who stabbed Khan numerous times during the altercation, then fled. The actor sustained six stab wounds, some of those being quite serious to his neck and back, reports say.
Doctors removed a 2.5-inch piece of the knife lodged in his spine, rushing him to Lilavati Hospital for emergency surgery. Thankfully, he is now said to be in stable condition and should be released soon.
Following the attack, police have reviewed CCTV footage and are holding a number of people for questioning. An auto rickshaw driver, who had information as to where Shahzad had been prior to the incident, is one among them.
The investigation has sparked questions over security for high-profile people in Mumbai. It’s invoked fury from fans and fellow celebrities alike due to his audacity in his actions. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar said that there is a need for greater safety protocols to stop such things from happening.
Authorities are still investigating this glaring breach of security as many question how someone could so easily make their way into the home of one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.