Saif Ali Khan stabbing accused offers to plead guilty, seeks leniency

Mohammad Shariful Islam, the Bangladeshi national accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan during an alleged robbery attempt at his Bandra residence last year, has told a Mumbai court that he is willing to plead guilty and has sought a lenient sentence. Islam, who has remained in judicial custody since his arrest in January 2025, submitted an application before the sessions court on Friday. His lawyer Vipul Dushing said the accused had expressed his readiness to admit guilt and requested the court to take a sympathetic view while deciding the punishment. The prosecution has been directed to respond to the application. The matter will next be heard on September 11.

Trial stage reached earlier this month

The development comes shortly after Additional Sessions Judge G P Deshmukh framed charges against Islam, clearing the way for the trial to begin. At that stage, Islam had pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He faces prosecution under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to robbery involving a deadly weapon, causing grievous hurt and house trespass. Charges have also been invoked under the Foreigners Act and Passport (Entry into India) Rules. His latest application therefore marks a significant change from the position he took when charges were framed.

Attack inside Bandra home

The case dates to January 16, 2025, when an intruder allegedly entered Khan’s 12th-floor apartment in Bandra in the early hours. Khan confronted the intruder and was stabbed repeatedly during the encounter. The actor suffered multiple injuries and was taken to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Doctors also removed a fragment of the weapon that had become lodged near his spine. Khan remained in hospital for five days before being discharged.

Accused arrested after manhunt

Mumbai Police arrested Islam two days after the attack following a search operation launched to identify and track the alleged intruder.

Investigators have maintained that Islam is a Bangladeshi national who entered India illegally. The defence had earlier disputed the prosecution’s case and sought bail, alleging that Islam had been falsely implicated.

With charges now framed, the criminal case had been poised to move into the evidence stage. The court will first consider the prosecution’s response to Islam’s request to plead guilty before deciding how the proceedings should advance.