Father of Saif Ali Khan’s ‘attacker’ says he looks nothing like my son
Handful Fakir, the father of Shariful Fakir, who was arrested for allegedly stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, has added to the ongoing controversy surrounding the incident.
Speaking to ABP Majha from Jhalokathi in Bangladesh’s Barisal division, Ruhul questioned the Mumbai police’s claims, stating that the CCTV footage does not match his son’s appearance. “I’ve seen the images. I know my son and the two are completely different,” he said.
The footage reportedly shows a man with long hair and fair skin, walking down the stairs at Saif’s Bandra residence. Ruhul argued, “My son has never kept long hair.”
Saif was attacked with a knife, suffering injuries to his neck, spine, and hand. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital on January 16, arriving in an autorickshaw with a piece of the knife lodged in his spine. Doctors surgically removed the blade.
Ruhul further claimed that his son, who entered India legally for work, had never shown aggression. “Shariful has never wrestled, let alone attacked someone,” he said.
According to the police, Shariful entered Saif’s home intending to steal. The actor confronted him after hearing the nanny’s cries, leading to the attack. Police allege Shariful later made a payment via an app in Worli before traveling to Thane, where he was arrested on Saturday night.
Social media users have echoed Ruhul’s concerns, pointing out differences between the CCTV footage and Shariful’s appearance. Critics highlighted the disparities in skin tone, hairstyle, and attire.
Saif was discharged from the hospital on January 21, which has further fueled skepticism. BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane questioned the incident, suggesting Saif might be exaggerating. “Look at what Bangladeshis are doing in Mumbai. They’ve started entering houses now. Maybe he came to take Saif away. When Saif left the hospital, I doubted if he was even stabbed—he looked like he was dancing,” Rane said at a Pune event.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar dismissed Rane’s remarks, urging any concerns to be raised with the home department. “The truth is, a man from Bangladesh has been arrested. People are drawn to Mumbai,” Pawar said.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also expressed doubts. “Saif is physically fit, but is his immune system so strong? The knife penetrated 2.5 inches into his back, and surgery lasted six hours. Yet he recovered in just five days?” Nirupam posted on X (formerly Twitter).