NEW DELHI: A man accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was arrested on Sunday in Thane, news agency ANI reported quoting Mumbai Police. The incident took place early Thursday morning at Khan’s Bandra residence, where the actor was stabbed by an intruder wielding a knife.
The suspect, identified as Vijay Das, also known by multiple aliases such as Bijoy Das and Mohammed Iliyas, was detained after a manhunt. Earlier, the Mumbai Police coordinated with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and had apprehended a 31-year-old while he was travelling on the Jnaneswari Express in Durg, Chhattisgarh, in connection with the attack. Das was brought into custody and will face further investigation.
Police have recovered part of the weapon used in the attack at Khan’s residence.
Here’s what we know so far:
‘Suspect used multiple aliases’
The arrested suspect, Vijay Das, reportedly operated under several aliases, including Bijoy Das and Mohammed Iliyas, the report said. Das worked as a waiter at a restaurant.
Suspect nabbed on moving train
The accused, Vijay Das, was apprehended by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in a swift operation while travelling on the Jnaneswari Express in Chhattisgarh. Acting on a tip-off from Mumbai Police, RPF officers tracked the suspect’s mobile location and detained him at Durg railway station. His identity was confirmed through a photograph shared with the authorities.
Burglary or targeted attack?
Authorities are investigating whether the stabbing was a botched burglary attempt or a premeditated assault on the actor. Early reports suggested the intruder may have been familiar with the building’s layout and security lapses, leading to speculation about his intent.
CCTV footage proves crucial
Investigators relied heavily on CCTV footage, which showed the suspect moving through the building and later buying earphones at a nearby shop. Statements from the actor’s staff and neighbours also helped police piece together the suspect’s movements on the night of the attack.
What happened during the attack
The horrifying incident unfolded at around 2.30am in Khan’s Bandra apartment. The intruder allegedly entered the premises unnoticed and confronted the actor’s son’s nanny, Philip, near the child’s room.
Philip recounted in her statement that the man threatened her to stay silent and attacked when she resisted, injuring her hands and wrists. Saif Ali Khan intervened to protect his family but was stabbed multiple times during the altercation.
The actor sustained serious injuries, including a 2.5-inch blade lodged in his thoracic spine, and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital. His wife, Kareena Kapoor, and staff member Geeta also suffered minor injuries during the chaos.
Police investigation
Mumbai Police had mobilised 20 teams to investigate the incident, including officers from the Crime Branch and Bandra Police Station. No signs of forced entry were found, suggesting the intruder exploited a security lapse.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to the Mumbai Police Commissioner requesting enhanced security for the actor.
Saif Ali Khan’s condition
Doctors at Lilavati Hospital successfully removed the knife shard from Khan’s spine. The actor underwent emergency surgery and has since been moved from the ICU to a regular room. Neurosurgeons also treated deep wounds on his neck and hand, which required plastic surgery.
Dr Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of the hospital, said, “Saif is stable and recovering well. He remains under observation but is expected to make a full recovery soon.”
