Saif Ali Khan attack: Accused claims 'unlawful arrest,' what does this mean for the case?

Time of India

10-05-2025

In a dramatic twist to the ongoing legal saga of Saif Ali Khan's attack earlier this year, Mohammad Shariful Islam, the man accused of stabbing the Bollywood actor, has filed a plea in court challenging his arrest. Islam, a Bangladeshi national, has been in Arthur Road Jail since the shocking attack on Khan in January 2025. Now, the accused has raised the stakes by claiming that his arrest was illegal and that his rights were violated during the process.
What happened to Saif Ali Khan?
The incident occurred on January 16, when Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Mumbai residence by Islam, who allegedly stabbed the actor multiple times. Saif was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he was treated and eventually discharged after a period of recovery. The attack stunned fans and the film industry alike, but Saif, a resilient figure, made his return to work shortly after, with roles in projects like the Netflix thriller Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins and the much-awaited Race 4.
The controversy surrounding the case has taken a new turn with Mohammad Shariful Islam filing a plea on May 9, 2025, in Mumbai. Through his lawyer, Islam has claimed that he was not informed of the reasons for his arrest at the time of detention, violating the legal provisions under section 47 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This section mandates that the arrested individual must be informed of the charges in writing and made aware of their right to bail at the time of the arrest. Islam's plea states that the police did not follow these procedures, resulting in an 'illegal arrest.'
Did police fail to provide documentation?
The plea, filed before the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Bandra, has raised significant legal questions. It suggests that the police failed to provide proper documentation, with no records indicating that the mandatory steps were followed during the arrest. As a result, Islam has requested his release from jail.
The court has taken note of the plea and has asked the police to respond by May 13, 2025. The case is now under scrutiny, with legal experts debating whether the alleged procedural lapses during the arrest will impact the broader legal process.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Saif Ali Khan's fans are eager to see how the case develops. The actor, meanwhile, continues to focus on his work, maintaining his strong presence in the entertainment industry despite the traumatic incident.