A UPI payment for a paratha and a water bottle turned out to be the crucial clue that helped Mumbai Police track down Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national who attacked Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence on January 16. Shariful, who illegally entered India and adopted the alias Bijoy Das, was arrested from a mangrove area in Thane on Sunday.
The incident unfolded when Shariful allegedly broke into Khan’s home in the early hours of the morning with the intention of theft. Climbing to the 12th floor of the building using a pipe, he entered through a bathroom window. Inside, he startled a nanny and demanded ₹1 crore, leading to an altercation. When Khan confronted him, Shariful attacked the actor before fleeing.
When police used CCTV footage to track Shariful’s movements, they made a breakthrough. His mobile number was exposed when he made a digital payment at a Worli kiosk, even though he had paid cash for a mobile cover close to Dadar station. As a result, police traveled to Thane, where a search operation involving about 100 cops was initiated.
When police used torches to comb the area again, they discovered Shariful, initially concealed in a dense cluster of mangroves. He attempted to escape but was swiftly caught.
During questioning, Shariful admitted he fled to Thane after seeing his images on TV and social media. He carried tools like a hammer, screwdriver, and rope, raising suspicions about prior crimes.
This case highlights how technology, even a small digital payment, can leave a trail that aids law enforcement in cracking complex cases. The quick action and perseverance of the Mumbai Police prevented further potential harm.
