Five key questions in the Saif Ali Khan saga: Is a new Sushant Singh Rajput case unfolding?

Ten days after the attack on Saif Ali Khan, significant doubts have emerged about the police narrative

Five years ago, the untimely death of young actor Sushant Singh Rajput shook the nation to its core. To this day, the circumstances surrounding his death remain clouded in mystery. Despite investigations by five different law enforcement agencies, including the CBI, there has been no definitive conclusion to confirm whether it was a case of murder or suicide. A comparative look at Sushant’s case and the recent attack on Saif Ali Khan reveals striking parallels. Both involve prominent Bollywood stars, both have sparked political mudslinging, both have given rise to countless conspiracy theories, and both have placed investigative agencies under scrutiny. Ten days after the attack on Saif Ali Khan, significant doubts have emerged about the police narrative—not only from opposition parties but also from leaders within the ruling coalition in Maharashtra. Here are five key questions that complicate the Saif Ali Khan case:

1) Is the Bangladeshi man in custody the real accused?

The CCTV image of the alleged attacker released on the day of the incident looks noticeably different from the individual arrested by the police. The suspect in the footage appears younger and fairer, while the arrested man seems older and has a darker complexion. Other facial features also don’t align perfectly. Moreover, the claim that Shariful hid in Thane's mangroves instead of fleeing to another state after the attack raises doubts. Under immense pressure to solve the case and salvage its reputation, one can only hope the police haven’t made a mistake in their haste.

2) How did the accused breach Saif’s highly secure home?

Saif’s building is under constant CCTV surveillance both inside and outside, and its residents reportedly include foreign diplomats, making it a high-security zone. Access to Saif’s flat requires a biometric scan. The police’s claim that Shariful climbed the building’s duct and entered through a bathroom window has been met with skepticism, with many comparing the feat to something out of a Spiderman movie.

The accused claims that he didn't knew that it was Saif's home. Why did hethen chose to enter his flat on the eleventh floor when he had a choice to enter flats of lower floors.

3) Was theft the real motive?

Saif’s wife, Kareena Kapoor, stated that her jewelry was left untouched, even though it was in plain sight. Instead, the intruder reportedly threatened their maid with a knife and demanded ₹1 crore before fleeing empty-handed. CCTV footage shows the suspect calmly walking down the stairs, rather than fleeing in a panic. This has led many to wonder if it was a robbery gone wrong or if there is more to the story than meets the eye.

4) Hexablade or knife?

Saif’s maid initially claimed the attacker was wielding a hexablade, but Saif’s injuries suggest the use of a knife. Parts of a purported knife were recovered, and Shariful also admitted to using a knife. These conflicting accounts have added to the confusion surrounding the weapon involved in the attack.

5) Saif Ali Khan’s rapid recovery.

Footage of Saif Ali Khan walking out of Lilavati Hospital just five days after the attack has raised eyebrows. He appeared completely fit, save for a black band on his hand, with no signs of someone who had been reportedly soaked in blood and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Speculation has grown, with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam and BJP minister Nitesh Rane questioning whether the attack on Saif was genuine or exaggerated.

The police investigation is ongoing. Critical evidence, including fingerprint analysis and blood sample tests to match the accused’s clothes with Saif’s blood, is still awaited. Until the police provide concrete evidence to substantiate their version, the void will be filled by wild theories propagated by TV channels, YouTubers, and politicians. Only time will tell whether the truth behind the Saif Ali Khan saga will emerge or remain another unsolved enigma.