Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: Accused claims ‘illegal arrest’; seeks release from jail

In a shocking turn of events following the January attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, the man accused of the brutal incident has now approached the court seeking his release. Mohammad Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national currently lodged at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, has claimed that he was illegally arrested and denied his basic legal rights during the process.

The incident, which occurred on January 16, 2025, sent shockwaves across the country. Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Mumbai residence and sustained multiple stab wounds. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital and later recovered after a brief period of hospitalization. The incident raised serious concerns about celebrity security and unlawful entry.

Now, months after the attack, the case has taken a fresh turn. On May 9, 2025, the accused filed a formal application through his lawyer Ajay Gawli with the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Bandra. The plea seeks a declaration that his arrest was unlawful and requests immediate release from jail.

According to the application, Islam alleges that the police violated Section 47 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), a law that mandates informing an individual of the reason for their arrest and their right to bail. The plea argues that he was neither informed about the charges against him nor provided with a written explanation during the arrest process. It also states that there is no documentation to prove that these legal requirements were followed.

In April, the accused had previously filed for bail but later withdrew that request. This latest move appears to be a new legal strategy focused on the procedural aspects of the arrest itself.

The court has taken note of the plea and asked the police to submit a detailed response. The matter is now scheduled to be heard on May 13, 2025.

Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan has made a strong comeback post-recovery. He was recently seen in the Netflix thriller Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins and is gearing up to return in Race 4, reviving the much-loved action franchise.