Mumbai, Jan 20 (IANS): The Mumbai Police have found 19 fingerprints of Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, the accused in actor Saif Ali Khan stabbing case, from the crime scene and the 12-storey building, Satguru Sharan, sources said.
He admitted to surveying Saif Ali Khan's residence and Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat, among other high-profile residences.
Using a ladder to inspect entry points, Shehzad abandoned plans to target Mannat due to its tight security and high walls.
On January 15, Shehzad conducted a detailed recce of Saif Ali Khan's house and identified an easy entry point. He returned later that night and entered the building at 1:37 a.m. on January 16.
However, his robbery attempt failed, and in a panic, he attacked Saif Ali Khan before fleeing without stealing anything.
Desperate to return to Bangladesh after being unemployed for a month, Shehzad sought financial help but was unable to secure funds. Inspired by an auto driver's comments about celebrity homes in Bandra, he decided to rob a high-profile residence to finance his return.
Despite a clear opportunity to steal cash and jewellery, Shehzad fled in fear of being caught. He then closely monitored the investigation through news channels, saving screenshots of suspects shown by the media, which were later recovered from his mobile phone.
Mumbai Police initially detained two suspects who resembled Shehzad but continued their hunt. He was eventually arrested on Sunday morning near Hiranandani Estate in Kasarvadavali, Thane, about 35 kilometres from Saif Ali Khan's residence.
He had been hiding in a labour camp in a forested area and attempted to evade arrest by hiding in bushes but was captured after a seven-hour search operation.
According to DCP Dixit Gedam, Shehzad lacked Indian identification documents, and evidence confirmed his Bangladeshi nationality. Investigators also found that he had been living in Mumbai for four months under the alias Bijoy Das.
Upon his arrest, Shehzad confessed to the crime, saying, "Haan, maine hi kiya hai" (Yes, I did it). He has been remanded to police custody for five days, during which investigators plan to recreate the crime scene at Saif Ali Khan's residence.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of high-profile residences in Mumbai. Police continue their probe to uncover more details about Shehzad's activities and background.