Saif stabbing: Court rejects accused's guilty plea, orders trial
What's the story
A sessions court in Mumbai has rejected the guilty plea of Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national accused of attacking actor Saif Ali Khan and attempting to rob his Bandra residence on January 16, 2025. The decision was made during a virtual hearing on Friday, where it denied Islam's request for leniency through the guilty plea. This ruling paves the way for a trial on charges of armed robbery and dacoity.
Legal proceedings
Islam can hire advocate at state's cost: Court
The court informed Islam that he could hire an advocate at the state's cost if he wished to.
Charges have also been framed against him under the Foreigners Act and Passport (Entry into India) provisions for allegedly entering and living in India illegally.
The maximum punishment for these offenses is life imprisonment.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 24 to record evidence and hear bail applications.
Plea reversal
Significant shift in Islam's stance
Islam first expressed his intention to plead guilty on August 28, two weeks after the court framed charges against him on August 14.
He reiterated this request on Friday, but the court refused to accept it.
This was a significant shift from his earlier stance when he had sought bail, denied involvement in the alleged offenses, and claimed no evidence linked him to the crime.
Attack details
What happened on January 16, 2025?
The incident took place on January 16, 2025, when an intruder allegedly broke into Khan's 12th-floor apartment in Bandra.
The intruder attacked the actor and two members of his household staff. Khan sustained multiple injuries and had to undergo surgery at Lilavati Hospital.
Islam was arrested two days after the incident and has been in judicial custody since then.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Khan is currently seen in Haiwaan.