Man arrested over stabbing of Bollywood actor

Mumbai police in India have arrested a man suspected of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan last week. Khan, one of India's most prominent stars, was attacked in his home by an intruder, an incident that shocked the nation. He is currently recovering after surgery.

On Sunday, police said they had arrested the main suspect, Mohammed Sharif Islam Shekhzad, adding that he is a Bangladeshi national who was illegally residing in India. Shekhzad's lawyer has denied the charges, stating that he is not from Bangladesh. Police said they arrested Shekhzad in the Thane area of suburban Mumbai.

Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dixit Gedam, said at a press conference that preliminary evidence suggests Shekhzad came to the city about six months ago and worked at a domestic help agency using a false name and ID. Police suspect Shekhzad of breaking into Khan's home with the intent to rob. On Sunday, a Mumbai court remanded Shekhzad to five days of police custody.

His lawyer, Sandeep Shikane, told reporters that his client was being made a “scapegoat.” He said, "There is no documentary evidence to show that he is a Bangladeshi national." The attack on Khan has made national headlines and has also raised questions about security in Mumbai, one of India's most populous and financial hubs.

Khan was attacked at his home in an upscale neighborhood, suffering multiple stab wounds, including to the back of his neck, after being stabbed six times. Illyama Philip, a nurse who worked at Khan's home, told police last week that she first noticed a man's shadow near the bathroom door while she was in the nanny's children's room late at night. Philip said a man appeared with a wooden object in one hand and a long knife in the other, warning the two not to make any noise. She said he demanded 10 million rupees (about $115,477; £94,511).

A struggle ensued, during which Philip was injured. She also said that Khan and his wife rushed to the room after hearing the commotion, and the assailant attacked the actor with the knife before fleeing. On Friday, investigators reportedly detained at least five other individuals for questioning and subsequently released them in connection with the investigation. Many were detained because they resembled the assailant, who was captured on CCTV cameras as he left the building.