Saif Ali Khan attack: Mumbai police links Saif's attacker to human trafficking racket

Saif Ali Khan's attacker is a Bangladeshi

The case involving an attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has taken a shocking turn, as Mumbai Police uncovered a human trafficking network that facilitated the accused, Shariful Islam Shahzad, in entering India illegally. According to Free Press Journal, investigators have identified four agents suspected to be part of a larger human trafficking racket.

Shahzad reportedly entered India through the India-Bangladesh border near the Dawki River in Meghalaya, aided by a Bangladeshi agent for Rs 4,000. After crossing the border, a second agent arranged his bus journey to Kolkata for Rs 3,000. A third agent in Kolkata provided him with accommodation and a SIM card using fake documents, enabling his onward travel to Mumbai in May 2024. Upon arrival in Mumbai, a fourth agent introduced him to labour contractor Amit Pandey, charging a commission of Rs 1,500.

Shahzad’s total expenditure to reach Mumbai was Rs 11,000. Despite finding work in Worli and Thane, his monthly earnings ranged between Rs 13,000-14,000. His attempts to return to Bangladesh were thwarted when traffickers demanded Rs 60,000 for the journey.

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Desperation pushed Shahzad to plan a robbery at Saif Ali Khan's residence, which led to his arrest.

Mumbai Police are now focusing on the four agents involved in Shahzad’s illegal entry and suspect their role in a broader human trafficking operation. Authorities are examining links between these agents and other illegal immigration cases along the India-Bangladesh border.