Investigating officer Who Pushed for Attempt to Murder Charge in Saif Ali Khan Case Removed Without Explanation

In a surprising turn of events, the investigating officer (IO) in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case was removed, with sources indicating that his removal was due to his push for attempted murder charges for the convict, however, Additional Commissioner of Police Paramjeet Singh Dahiya stated that the IO was replaced for "administrative reasons." Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police’s investigation has raised several doubts, with questions emerging about the handling of key evidence and the classification of charges in the case.

The incident occurred on the night of January 16, when duty officer Sudarshan Gaikwad was on night duty. At 3:04 AM, Bandra Police received a call from Lilavati Hospital about the attack. A few minutes later, a caretaker from Saif Ali Khan's residence reached the police station and informed Gaikwad about the incident. At the time, Gaikwad was at the police station gate, preparing to leave for the crime scene.

Upon learning about the attack, he asked the caretaker to accompany him in the car and immediately rushed to Saif’s house.
Upon arrival, Kareena Kapoor, who was standing at the building entrance with concern, warned Gaikwad not to go upstairs, as the attacker was still inside and armed with a sharp weapon.

Before the arrival of police, Saif Ali Khan, along with his son Taimur and caretaker Hari, left for the hospital in an auto-rickshaw.
The Mumbai Police formed 20 teams to arrest the accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national who had no prior criminal record. The absence of a police record made the investigation challenging, leading to a three-day delay in his arrest.

During the arrest process, Sudarshan Gaikwad was chosen as the investigating officer (IO) since he was the first officer to reach the crime scene. From day one, Gaikwad handled all the crucial details of the case and was responsible for producing the accused before the court.

During the registration of the First Information Report (FIR), Gaikwad recommended charging the accused under Section 109 of the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for ‘attempt to murder’. However, the case registered under sections 311, robbery and dacoity with an attempt to cause death or grievous hurt.

In the first remand hearing, Gaikwad prepared the remand copy, ensuring that all critical details were included to secure maximum police custody. As a result, the court granted five days of police custody for the accused.

However, just one hour after securing the remand, Gaikwad was reportedly ordered by senior authorities to hand over the case to another officer, without giving any specific reason. Sources tell that without raising any objections, Gaikwad transferred the case to Ajay Lingurkar, who is now the current investigating officer.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Additional Commissioner of Police Paramjeet Singh Dahiya stated that the IO was changed due to administrative reasons. However, sources claimed, Gaikwad was removed because he insisted on registering the case under BNS 109 (attempt to murder).

Today, Mumbai Police produced the accused in court to seek a third remand, but the court rejected the request for extended custody.

The judge advised the police to refer to the new BNS laws and stated that, if further police custody is required, it can be sought later. If new evidence emerges during the investigation, especially from Bengal, remaining custody can be requested. At present, extended police custody cannot be justified, stated that court.

The accused has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody, and the police investigation is ongoing.​