Saif Ali Khan’s attacker nabbed: GPay for paratha leads Mumbai Police to the culprit
On January 16, Saif Ali Khan faced a shocking attack at his Bandra residence by Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national using the alias Bijoy Das. Mumbai Police tracked him down with a UPI payment he made for a paratha and water at a Worli stall. This payment led to his mobile number and location, eventually revealing his hideout in Thane.
Shariful had illegally entered India and planned a theft at the actor’s home. Around 3 a.m., he scaled the building using pipes, entered through a bathroom window, and startled Saif’s staff. A confrontation followed when Shariful demanded ₹1 crore and argued with a nanny. Saif intervened, trying to stop him, but Shariful stabbed him and managed to escape through the same route.
Police began tracking Shariful by analyzing CCTV footage. He was seen buying a mobile cover in Dadar and lingering near Worli’s Century Mill. Investigators identified a stall owner, Naveen Ekka, who confirmed Shariful’s identity after the Google Pay transaction. Following this lead, the police traced him to a labor camp in a mangrove area near Thane.
Over 100 officers conducted a search in the dense mangroves. When they almost gave up, a torchlight revealed someone sleeping. As officers approached, Shariful tried to flee but was quickly overpowered and arrested.
Shariful admitted he panicked after seeing his photos on TV and fled Bandra. He slept at a bus stop near Patwardhan Garden before moving to Worli and later Thane, a place he was familiar with due to past work. Police recovered tools like a hammer, screwdriver, and nylon rope from his bag, suspecting he planned other crimes.
This attack shook the city, sparking concerns over safety and trespassing in high-security areas. Saif Ali Khan sustained minor injuries, but the quick police action prevented further harm. The investigation highlighted how modern technology, combined with diligent police work, led to a swift arrest.
