Mumbai Police successfully apprehended the suspect in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case after a relentless 50-hour manhunt. The suspect, identified as Aakash Kailash Kannojia, a 31-year-old male, was arrested on January 18, 2025, in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district. The attack, which took place at Saif Ali Khan’s posh Bandra West residence, left the actor with six brutal stab wounds and sparked nationwide concern.
Durg Railway Protection Force’s Role in Apprehending the Suspect
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Durg railway station played a crucial role in capturing the suspect. Acting on a tip-off from Mumbai Police, RPF officials intercepted Kannojia on the Jnaneswari Express train. According to DG RPF Manoj Yadav, Mumbai Police had been closely monitoring the suspect’s movements and shared his photo and location details with the RPF team.
“Mumbai police were monitoring his location and they forwarded it to us. Our team in civil clothes identified him and arrested him. We shared his photo with Mumbai Police, and they confirmed to us that he is the same person who stabbed Saif Ali Khan,” said Yadav in an interview with CNN-News18.
RPF Durg in-charge Sanjeev Sinha further elaborated on the dramatic arrest, stating, “We got information from Mumbai Police that a suspect was traveling by the Jnaneswari Express train. They shared his photo and tower location. On that basis, we checked the general coach and found him. Mumbai Police officials were contacted through video call, and the suspect’s identity was confirmed. He has been detained. Further interrogation of the suspect will be conducted by Mumbai Police.”
How CCTV Footage Helped Track the Attacker
CCTV footage proved instrumental in the investigation. The attacker was first seen fleeing the crime scene and later spotted buying headphones at a store in Dadar while wearing different clothes. His frequent outfit changes and quick movements across Mumbai railway stations complicated the investigation but also provided critical leads that eventually led to his capture.
Eliyama Philips, Jeh Ali Khan’s nanny and the first to confront the intruder, described the suspect as a slim man with a dark complexion, appearing to be in his late thirties and approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall. The investigation initially involved questioning individuals whose appearances matched the CCTV descriptions, including a carpenter, who was later released after being cleared of suspicion.
Motive and Ongoing Investigation
While early reports suggest that the attack was motivated by burglary, the suspect’s erratic behavior—such as arranging footwear days before the incident and frequently changing outfits—has raised questions about his mental state and the possibility of a deeper conspiracy.
#WATCH | Durg, Chhattisgarh: On one suspect detained in actor Saif Ali Khan attack case, Sanjeev Sinha, RPF Durg in-charge says, “We got information from Mumbai Police that a suspect is travelling by Jnaneswari Express train. They shared his photo and tower location. On that… pic.twitter.com/FHF0f92K35
— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025
Saif Ali Khan’s Recovery
Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan, who is currently recovering at Lilavati Hospital, has shown steady progress. Doctors report that the actor has been moved out of the ICU and is expected to be discharged within a few days.
The incident has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns about security even in high-profile neighborhoods. The successful apprehension of the suspect is a testament to the coordinated efforts of Mumbai Police and the Railway Protection Force.