Saif Ali Khan stabbing: After days of manhunt, Mumbai Police arrest attacker from Thane

The accused, identified as Vijay Das, was picked up from Thane.

According to news agency ANI, the Mumbai Police confirmed that Das was a waiter at a restaurant and used multiple names, including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammed Iliyas.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed repeatedly while he tried to protect his children during an encounter with an intruder during a burglary bid at his Bandra home in the early hours of Thursday night.

The 54-year-old actor sustained severe injuries, including wounds to his neck and near his spine, during the attack.

Saif is recovering well, doctors treating him said Friday. He underwent an emergency surgery on Thursday night itself during which a 2.5-inch piece of the blade was removed from his spine.

Earlier on Saturday, the police arrested a suspect at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh, NDTV reported.

On Friday, the Mumbai Police detained another individual over his alleged connection with the case. He was then brought in by the police in Bandra for questioning. However, five hours later, he was let go as the police found that the man had no link with the case.

CCTV footage from the actor’s building captured the intruder wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack.

The assailant was seen taking the stairs to Khan’s apartment and fleeing around 2:30 am.

The attacker’s motive is believed to be robbery, according to Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban), Yogesh Kadam, who clarified that no underworld gangs were involved, according to the NDTV report.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, who was present during the attack, recorded her statement with the Mumbai Police.

She recounted the horrifying incident, stating, "The attacker was aggressive. I saw him stab Saif repeatedly. Our priority was to get Saif to the hospital."

She added that the intruder fled without stealing any valuables.

Kapoor Khan revealed that after ensuring her husband was hospitalised, she sought refuge at her sister Karisma Kapoor's home, feeling "terrified" after the ordeal.

More than 30 teams were mobilised to track down and apprehend the attacker.