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Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Sparks Political and Diplomatic Controversy

A CCTV clip from January 9, a week before Saif Ali Khan’s brutal stabbing, shows the accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, roaming upscale areas in Mumbai, including Dadar and Prabhadevi. The footage provided critical leads that enabled police to track and arrest the Bangladeshi national.

Minority Watch, New Delhi– The arrest of Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, the prime suspect in the January 16 stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, has ignited political tensions ahead of Delhi’s February 5 assembly elections. Police claim Shehzad, 30, is a Bangladeshi national who entered India illegally, a charge his lawyer disputes.

The stabbing occurred during an attempted burglary at Khan’s upscale Bandra residence in Mumbai. Confronted by the actor, the intruder stabbed him multiple times, causing serious injuries near his spine. Khan underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital and was discharged five days later.

Political Blame Game

The incident has become fodder for political debates, with parties using it to highlight security concerns and immigration issues. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane questioned the authenticity of the attack, suggesting Khan might be “acting” and accused opposition leaders of selective outrage when Muslim actors are involved.

Rane’s remarks have drawn criticism for their communal undertones. He accused leaders like Supriya Sule of ignoring cases involving Hindu artists, referencing the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar dismissed Rane’s claims, advising him to approach the Home Department, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, if he had credible concerns. “The reality is clear: the suspect has been arrested. He’s a Bangladeshi national… Mumbai attracts everyone,” Pawar remarked, according to NDTV.

The BJP has used the police’s claim of Shehzad’s Bangladeshi origin to criticize the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs Delhi, alleging it has allowed illegal migrants to settle and obtain voter IDs fraudulently. BJP leaders have framed the issue as a national security threat, with Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accusing AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of “nurturing Bangladeshis and Rohingyas.”

The AAP has dismissed these allegations, countering that the BJP-led central government has failed to control illegal migration. In December 2024, AAP accused the BJP of settling Rohingya refugees in Delhi, a claim the central government denied.

Security Concerns and Relations with Bangladesh

The issue of undocumented migrants has overshadowed other election topics such as pollution and governance. Delhi’s federally appointed lieutenant governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has directed police to identify Bangladeshi and Rohingya “infiltrators.” Since December 2024, Delhi police have reportedly identified hundreds of suspected illegal migrants and deported at least 30 individuals.

These developments occur against the backdrop of strained India-Bangladesh relations. Ties soured following the ouster of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina, now in exile in Delhi, faces charges including genocide, which she denies. Diplomatic tensions have been exacerbated by border disagreements and inflammatory remarks from Indian politicians.

Faiz Sobhan, a senior researcher at the Dhaka-based Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, warned that divisive rhetoric risks further damaging relations. “Bangladesh expects India to respect and trust it as a neighbor,” he said.

Mumbai’s Law and Order

The attack has also raised questions about security in Mumbai, governed by a BJP-led coalition. Opposition leaders criticized the government for failing to prevent the incident, citing it as part of a larger trend of declining law and order.

Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray called the stabbing “shocking” and highlighted a series of high-profile crimes, including threats against actors and politicians. “This underscores the absolute failure of the government to ensure citizen safety,” he said.

Actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan expressed support for Khan, urging better security for public figures. “Mumbai police have a good reputation, and I trust they will ensure justice,” he said.

Ongoing Investigation

Police continue to investigate Shehzad’s background. His father, Md Ruhul Amin Fakir, reportedly told media that Shehzad left Bangladesh illegally due to political instability and worked in West Bengal before moving to Mumbai. Fakir expressed shock at his son’s alleged actions, stating the family had no financial difficulties.

The case has not only unsettled Mumbai’s residents but also highlighted broader issues of urban crime and political exploitation of sensitive topics. As the Delhi elections approach, the incident remains a focal point in political narratives, intensifying debates on security, immigration, and governance.

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