Mumbai, March 29: Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, the accused in the stabbing of Bollywood superstar Saif Ali Khan, has filed a bail petition in the Mumbai Sessions Court, asserting that he is innocent and the case against him is fabricated.

The attack took place in the early hours of January 16 when the accused allegedly entered Saif’s Bandra residence through his youngest son Jeh’s room.

The actor, who was reportedly trying to fend off the assailant, suffered multiple stab wounds. Despite his injuries, Saif managed to go to the hospital on his own, accompanied by his son Taimur.

Shariful Islam Shahzad’s petition, filed through his lawyer, claims that the FIR was wrongly registered and that he has fully cooperated with the police investigation.

His legal team argues that since all evidence is already in police custody, there is no risk of tampering, and therefore, he should be granted bail.

Currently, the case is being handled by the Bandra Magistrate Court, but it falls under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Sessions Court. Once the police file a charge sheet, the case will be transferred to the Sessions Court. However, the charge sheet is yet to be filed.

According to media reports, doctors removed a 2.5-inch knife from Saif’s wound. The actor sustained six stab injuries, two of which were serious as they were near his spine.

The incident reportedly occurred around 2:15 am on January 16 when the accused broke into the house, attacked the house help, and then stabbed Saif when he intervened.

Saif was alerted by noises from Jeh’s room, where he found the accused in an altercation with the house help. Attempting to protect the staff, Saif fought off the intruder with his bare hands before being stabbed multiple times.

Investigations have revealed that the accused, a Bangladeshi national, intended to rob a wealthy individual to finance his mother’s medical treatment in his home country. He has a history of petty theft and was previously dismissed from restaurants in Worli and Thane for stealing.

It is also reported that the attacker was unaware of Saif Ali Khan’s celebrity status and targeted the residence purely because it was located in an upscale apartment complex.

Mumbai, March 28: Senior Maharashtra Congress leader and former Member of Parliament, Husain Dalwai, strongly criticised the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government for its strict stance on ‘namaz (prayers)’ during Eid-ul-Fitr, claiming it reflects an underlying hatred towards Muslims.

This controversy follows the Uttar Pradesh Police’s decision to take a strict approach regarding congregational ‘namaz’ during Eid.

Meerut Police, in particular, have announced that offering ‘namaz’ on public roads will not be allowed this year. Those found praying on roads will face legal consequences, including the registration of an FIR and potential revocation of their passports and driving licences.

Speaking to IANS, Husain Dalwai stated, “On Eid, Muslims traditionally go to mosques to offer ‘namaz’, but due to limited space, many pray on the roads. I want to ask, is it only Muslims who pray on the roads? During the Maha Kumbh Mela, roads were completely blocked as people gathered in large numbers.

“Similarly, with the upcoming Navratri, crowds will gather on the streets to visit pandals. Why then is it wrong when Muslims pray on the streets? The way Muslims are being targeted is unfair, and it reflects deep-seated hatred. The RSS has instilled this hatred in people’s minds.”

Dalwai also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter, urging him to call Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and advise him to stop interfering in religious matters.

He said, “The way hatred is being spread, particularly with the ongoing Aurangzeb row, is troubling. There should be more focus on development and less on creating division. Politics around sensitive religious issues like Aurangzeb and cows must stop.”

Additionally, Dalwai called on Prime Minister Modi to halt any amendments to the Waqf Bill, which has sparked significant controversy in the country.

“Every religion has its own trusts or Boards. Why target the Muslim community in this manner? Muslims have donated their money and land for charitable purposes, to help those in need. Involving non-Muslims in the Waqf Board is wrong and undermines the purpose of these donations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged Muslims to wear a black armband on their right arm when they attend Juma prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan as a form of protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Protests against the Waqf Bill erupted in Bihar on Wednesday, with political parties from across the state expressing solidarity with the AIMPLB.

The ‘maha dharna’ in Patna was attended by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav, who joined the protest in support of the Muslim community’s stand against the Bill.

New Delhi, March 28: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who is facing multiple criminal cases over the “traitor” jibe towards Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Friday petitioned the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail.

Kamra’s plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench of Justice Sunder Mohan, who assured to examine the matter later in the day.

Mumbai’s MIDC police station on Monday registered a Zero FIR against Kamra for cracking an allegedly objectionable joke during a stand-up comedy show.

The Khar Police booked Yuva Sena general secretary Rahool Kanal under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Police Act.

They also detained 20 Sena activists. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 9, Dixit Gedam said two offences have been registered at Khar police station.

One is against Kamra for derogatory comments, while the other is against people who vandalised the Unicontinental hotel where the shoot of Kamra’s comedy show took place.

He further added that the investigation is underway. Shiv Sena has condemned the “distasteful and defamatory” remarks made by Kamra during his recent performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai, where he performed a parody song targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Police have already booked Kamra under section 356(2) (defamation) of the BNS.

The Mumbai Police had served two summons to Kamra, who has not yet appeared to give his statement.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Thursday accepted a privilege notice against Kamra and forwarded it to the Privileges Committee.

“I have accepted the notice of breach of privilege against Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare and have sent it to Privilege Committee chairman Prasad Lad. The future course of action regarding the motion will be decided by the committee,” said Upper House Chairman Ram Shinde.