MUMBAI: Bangladeshi national Shariful Fakir, apprehended for assaulting actor Saif Ali Khan, appeared before the Bandra court on Friday following the culmination of his initial five-day police remand.
The court has subsequently extended his custodial detention until January 29.
Fakir was initially taken into custody on January 19 in connection with the incident.
The court noted that there has been substantial progress in the case and emphasised the need to investigate other consequential aspects.
Given the seriousness of the offence, which is triable by a sessions court, further investigation is necessary to ensure a thorough examination, including determining the innocence of the accused, the court observed.
The court concluded that the submissions regarding the notice under BNSS Section 35 were not applicable, and no evidence from the records suggested that the arrest was illegal.
Mumbai Police had requested an extension of the accused’s custody, citing the possibility of additional accomplices being involved in the stabbing case. The police further stated that the accused was not cooperating with their efforts to trace the weapon used in the crime.
They also mentioned the need for a facial recognition match with CCTV footage, which required the accused to remain in custody. Additionally, the police noted they were still awaiting the shoes the accused wore during the crime.
Shariful Fakir’s father denies criminal allegations despite forensic evidence
Forensic analysis has confirmed that Shariful Fakir (30), who was arrested for allegedly breaking into Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra residence and stabbing the actor on January 16, is directly linked to the crime. Investigators revealed that fingerprints found at multiple locations inside the actor’s flat match those of Fakir, solidifying the case against him.
However, Fakir’s father, Mohammad Rohul Amin, speaking to The Times of India from Bangladesh, has disputed the identification. He pointed out discrepancies in the photo released by the police, stating that the suspect shown has long hair touching his eyes, whereas his son has short, upward-styled hair.
Rohul further admitted that while his son has engaged in “several illegal things,” he does not believe Shariful is a criminal.
Saif Ali Khan stabbing: 5 photos and contradicting claims add to mystery of attacker’s identity
Although five photographs — three from CCTV cameras, one of the suspect in custody, and another from his ID card — show some similarities between the suspect and Shariful, Rohul Amin maintains that the resemblance is not exact.
(With agency inputs)
