A suspect has been detained in Chhattisgarh in relation to the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence earlier this week. The detained individual, identified as 31-year-old Aakash Kailash Kannojia, was intercepted on the Gyaneshwari Express train in Durg district. Mumbai Police had issued an alert with the suspect’s photo and location details, leading to his capture.
The Chhattisgarh Railway Protection Force (RPF) confirmed that the suspect’s appearance matched the image shared by Mumbai Police. RPF Durg in-charge Sanjeev Sinha stated that upon receiving information from Mumbai Police, officers checked a general coach of the train and found Kannojia. Video calls with Mumbai Police confirmed his identity, and he was detained for further interrogation.
Initial questioning revealed that Kannojia, a resident of Mumbai’s Colaba area, was traveling to Bilaspur to meet a relative. He was also found traveling without a ticket. Mumbai Police is expected to arrive in Raipur later in the evening and travel to Durg to take him into custody for further investigation.
Earlier on Saturday, a man was briefly detained in Madhya Pradesh, but authorities clarified that this was unrelated to the Saif Ali Khan attack.
Attack on Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan was attacked on January 16 during a burglary attempt at his Bandra residence. The actor, 54, sustained multiple stab wounds, including one near his neck and spine. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in an autorickshaw, where he underwent emergency surgery and is now out of danger.
The Mumbai Police have been working to track the assailant, with new CCTV footage showing the suspect buying headphones in Dadar after the attack. Authorities believe the attacker may have traveled by train to flee the city. Police are currently reviewing footage from various railway stations to identify his whereabouts.
According to the police complaint, the intruder entered the room of Saif Ali Khan’s younger son, Jehangir, where he was confronted by the house help. Saif and Kareena Kapoor Khan, alerted by the commotion, rushed to Jeh’s room. A scuffle ensued between Saif and the attacker, during which the actor was stabbed.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, who provided her statement to the police on Saturday, confirmed that while the intruder became aggressive during the altercation, he did not attempt to steal any jewelry.
Saif Ali Khan’s Recovery
Saif Ali Khan’s doctors provided an update on Saturday, confirming that the actor is recovering well and is expected to be discharged within two to three days. Initially admitted to the ICU, he was moved to a general ward earlier in the day. Doctors reported that Saif is walking and on a normal diet, with his recovery progressing as expected.
Dr. Nitin Dange, a neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital, stated, “Saif Ali Khan is doing excellently well according to our expectations. We have advised him bed rest, and if he remains comfortable, he should be discharged in two to three days.”
