A new twist in the Saif Ali Khan attack case. A CID report reveals that fingerprint evidence from inside the actor’s flat did not match the accused, Shariful Islam Shehzad. Twenty prints were lifted from doors and surfaces, but none matched his fingerprints, and many of the prints were deemed unusable.
No Match Found Inside the Flat
The forensic report, now part of the charge sheet, states that the prints recovered from the bathroom door, sliding bedroom door, and cupboard either did not match Shehzad or lacked sufficient detail for analysis. Despite hopes that the prints would provide a direct link to the accused, none were usable.The prints were also cross-checked against India’s National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) and the Automated Multi-Modal Biometric Identification System (AMBIS), but no matches were found for Shehzad or co-accused Shahid Sayyed. Ten of the prints were ruled out due to poor ridge detail, rendering them unfit for comparison.
Single Palm Print Found Outside the Crime Scene
A separate CID report identified a single left palm print matching Shehzad, but it was found on the 8th-floor staircase door, not inside Saif Ali Khan’s flat. Two other fingerprints from the 9th floor were deemed unusable. Meanwhile, prints matching two of Saif’s domestic staff members were confirmed within the apartment.
Legal Experts Raise Concerns
Legal experts have raised concerns that the absence of forensic evidence directly linking Shehzad to the crime scene could weaken the prosecution’s case. Advocate Trivankumar Karnani, a criminal lawyer at the Bombay High Court, said, "The integrity of forensic evidence, particularly a matched fingerprint supported by expert analysis, is crucial for conviction. Any inconsistencies in reports will be used by the defense to highlight discrepancies and weaken the prosecution’s case."Despite these setbacks, the police remain confident, citing other forms of evidence, including CCTV facial recognition, mobile tower data, and recovered clothing.
Bail Application Under Review
Meanwhile, the accused Shariful has filed a bail application through his lawyer, Sangram Jadhav. The matter is likely to be heard by the sessions court on April 17. Shehzad’s bail application is currently under review, as the investigation continues to unfold.
