Durg (Chhattisgarh) [India]: A suspect linked to the stabbing attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has been detained in Durg, Chhattisgarh, police confirmed on Saturday.
The suspect, identified as Aakash Kanojia, was apprehended while traveling aboard the Jnaneswari Express train.
The stabbing incident occurred early Thursday morning at the actor’s Mumbai residence, leaving Saif Ali Khan with severe injuries.
According to Munawar Khursheed, IG of the RPF SECR Zone Bilaspur, information about Kanojia was relayed by the Assistant Police Inspector at Juhu Police Station, Mumbai. It was reported that the suspect was on the Jnaneswari Express.
“A photo of the suspect was shared with us, and he was later brought to the Durg RPF post. Mumbai Police officials were contacted via a video call,” Khursheed stated.
A team from Mumbai Police is set to arrive in Raipur today to take custody of the suspect, officials said.
The attack unfolded when an intruder allegedly confronted Saif Ali Khan’s maid early Thursday morning. Saif, attempting to intervene, was stabbed multiple times during the altercation, suffering serious injuries, including wounds to his thoracic spine.
The actor was immediately rushed to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital for treatment. The hospital administration confirmed that Saif underwent surgery to remove a 2.5-inch-long blade, which was successful. He has since been moved from the ICU to a normal room and is reportedly out of danger. However, medical staff continue to monitor his condition closely.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have intensified their investigation, forming 20 teams to locate the assailant and gather evidence. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning over 30 individuals, including the actor’s staff and others seen near the residence during the incident.
Saif Ali Khan’s wife, actress Kareena Kapoor, recorded her statement with Bandra Police on Friday.
Further updates on the investigation are awaited.