In a new twist to the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case, the accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam, has moved a Mumbai court claiming that his arrest was unlawful and carried out in violation of procedural safeguards.
Arrest Challenged Over Lack Of Legal Procedure
Shariful Islam, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national currently held at Arthur Road Jail, filed an application asserting that the police failed to comply with Section 47 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This provision mandates that an individual must be informed of the grounds of arrest and their right to seek bail at the time of being taken into custody.
According to his plea, the investigating agency “clearly and blatantly disregarded” this requirement. Islam claimed he was not provided with a written account of the charges against him and that no official record exists to show compliance with these mandatory procedures.
Bail Plea Withdrawn
Islam, who had filed for bail last month, withdrew his application on Friday before the sessions court, choosing instead to focus on challenging the legality of his arrest.
Police Asked To Respond
After reviewing the application, the court directed the police to submit their response and scheduled the next hearing for May 13.
The Incident
The case stems from a shocking attack on January 16, when Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed multiple times inside his 12th-floor apartment in upscale Bandra, Mumbai. The assailant allegedly gained unauthorized entry and attacked the 54-year-old actor with a knife. Khan was rushed to the hospital, underwent emergency surgery, and was discharged 5 days later.
As the court prepares to hear arguments on the alleged procedural lapses, the legality of the accused’s arrest may become a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The outcome of the May 13 hearing could potentially impact the prosecution’s case against Shariful Islam.
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