A Mumbai court on Friday rejected the plea of Bangladesh national Mohammad Shariful Islam, who is accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra home, to plead guilty to the charges against him, reported the PTI.
The court said the accused will have to face trial in the case.
Additional Sessions Judge G P Deshmukh did not accept Islam’s application seeking permission to plead guilty and asking for leniency. The matter has now been adjourned to September 24 for recording of evidence, the news agency reported.
Saif Ali Khan was stabbed with a knife inside his 12th-floor apartment in upscale Bandra on January 16 last year.
The attack took place at the actor’s residence, after which he was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for emergency treatment.
Khan, who was 56 at the time, underwent emergency surgery for his injuries. He was discharged from the hospital five days later.
Accused was arrested two days after attack
Mohammad Shariful Islam was arrested two days after the stabbing incident.
He is currently in judicial custody and has been facing criminal proceedings in connection with the attack on the actor.
Last month, Islam filed an application before the court stating that he was willing to plead guilty to the charges. He also sought leniency from the court.
However, Judge G P Deshmukh rejected the request and made it clear that the case would proceed to trial.
Court rejects guilty plea
The court's decision means Islam will now face a regular trial, during which the prosecution will present its evidence against him.
The matter has been adjourned until September 24 for the recording of evidence.
The court will consider the evidence and submissions made during the trial before deciding the case.
Mohammad Shariful Islam has been charged under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charges include robbery accompanied by the use of a deadly weapon and causing grievous hurt. He has also been charged with house trespass.
In addition, the accused faces charges under relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act and the Passport (Entry into India) Rules.
The charges relate to the alleged attack on Saif Ali Khan as well as the accused’s alleged illegal entry and stay in India.
Saif Ali Khan underwent surgery
Following the stabbing, Saif Ali Khan was taken to Lilavati Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery.
The actor remained in hospital for five days before being discharged.
The incident attracted widespread attention because of the nature of the attack and the fact that it took place inside the actor’s residence in Bandra.
(with PTI inputs)
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