Published: 10:37 AM, 30 August 2026
Bangladeshi suspect in Saif Ali Khan attack changes course, seeks guilty plea
The Bangladeshi man accused of attacking Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan during an alleged robbery attempt at his Mumbai home has told a court he wants to plead guilty and seek a lighter sentence.
Mohammad Shariful Islam, 31, filed an application before a Mumbai sessions court on Friday expressing his willingness to admit guilt, according to The Indian Express.
The court has asked prosecutors to respond to the plea.
The move marks a significant shift in the case. Charges were framed against Islam on Aug 14, when he pleaded not guilty, according to Hindustan Times.
His lawyer Vipul Dushing said his client now regretted what had happened and wanted to plead guilty while asking the court for leniency.
The case has been listed for Sept 11, when the prosecution’s response is expected to be considered.
Shariful faces charges relating to robbery or dacoity involving an attempt to cause death or grievous hurt, being armed with a deadly weapon and house-breaking or trespass.
He also faces charges under the passport and immigration laws over allegations that he entered and lived in India illegally. The Indian Express said the most serious charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Attack at Saif’s Bandra Home
The case stems from an attack at Saif’s residence in Mumbai’s Bandra area on Jan 16, 2025.
Police allege an intruder entered the actor’s home during a robbery attempt and attacked him, leaving him with serious injuries that required surgery at Lilavati Hospital.
Shariful was arrested in Thane two days later. Police subsequently alleged that he was a Bangladeshi national living illegally in India and had used the alias Vijay Das.
He has remained in judicial custody since his arrest.
His latest application comes just as the case had begun moving towards trial following the framing of charges earlier this month.
The court has not yet accepted the proposed guilty plea, with prosecutors first being asked to state their position.
