
Dhaka [Bangladesh]: Shariful Islam Sajjad's father, Md Ruhul Amin, on Friday claimed that his son was innocent and urged India to release him immediately. Shariful was reportedly arrested in Mumbai in connection with the attacks on actor Saif Ali Khan.
Shariful's background
Shariful Islam is a resident of Rajabaria village in Jhalakathi, a southern district of Bangladesh situated more than 200 km from the capital Dhaka. Md Ruhul Amin has claimed that Shariful is the second son of his three sons. "I have come to know through various YouTube channels and journalists via telephone that my 30-year-old son Shariful Islam Sajjad has been arrested in India for assaulting actor Saif Ali Khan", Md Ruhul Amin told ANI, over the phone.
Claims of mistaken identity
"My son was arrested on suspicion because he resembled the person involved in the attacks. My son is innocent," he added. Md Ruhul Amin said that he would request the Bangladesh government to take diplomatic initiative for his son's release. "I will go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh after 3 or 4 days and request the Bangladesh government to take diplomatic initiative to free my son," he said.
Political harassment allegations
Md Ruhul Amin claimed that his son went to India to escape harassment during Sheikh Hasina's tenure as his family was associated with BNP politics. "As my family is associated with BNP, political opponents have harassed my sons with false cases. Unable to stay at home due to their oppression, he left the country," Amin said.
Incident details and investigation
After a violent confrontation with the accused on January 16, Saif Ali Khan sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other body parts. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for immediate treatment following the attack. In the ongoing investigation, the police found the accused's fingerprints on the stairs of the building, the door of the toilet, and the door handle of his son Jeh's room.
Mumbai Police findings
According to the police, the accused attempted to enter three houses before reaching Saif Ali Khan's residence with the intent to steal. The Mumbai Police believes the discovered fingerprints will play a significant role in the investigation. As per the police statement, the accused entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft.
Legal proceedings
A case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Further, the police stated that the accused was about to flee to his native village in Bangladesh when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. The accused was sent to five-day police custody by the Bandra Holiday Court on Sunday.
(With ANI Inputs)