The actor also said he had considered forgiving the intruder, although he struggled to move past the possibility that the man had tried to kill him.

MUMBAI: The trial in the knife attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan began in Mumbai, with the first witness telling the court that the intruder demanded INR10 million during a break-in at the actor’s Bandra residence in January 2025.

The nurse, who cared for Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s younger son, Jeh, identified the accused, 31-year-old Mohammad Shariful Islam, during her testimony on Friday, according to Gulf News.

The complainant has worked with the family for more than five years and was the first witness to testify in the case.

Nurse Recounts Attack at Khan’s Residence

According to The Indian Express, the nurse told the court that a noise woke her at around 2am on January 16, 2025. She initially noticed that the bathroom light was on and assumed Kareena Kapoor Khan was inside.

After waking again, she saw a man wearing a cap moving towards Jeh’s bed. The child was four years old at the time.

The nurse said she rushed towards the bed and tried to pick up the child when the intruder attacked her with a hacksaw blade and ordered her to remain silent.

When she asked what he wanted, the man allegedly demanded INR10 million.

The commotion alerted another nanny, who raised the alarm. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan then emerged from their rooms, and the actor confronted the intruder, asking who he was and what he wanted.

According to the witness, the intruder subsequently attacked Khan and another household staff member. Khan managed to overpower the man, while others took refuge in a room and locked themselves inside.

The accused had fled by the time additional staff members arrived, Gulf News reported. The nurse sustained cuts to two fingers during the incident.

Saif Ali Khan Underwent Emergency Surgery

Following the attack, Khan was taken to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for multiple injuries.

Doctors reported six wounds, including two deep injuries to his left hand and neck. A fragment of a knife was lodged near his spine, and surgeons removed a piece of the blade measuring approximately 2.5 inches.

The actor was discharged from hospital several days later.

Mumbai Police arrested the accused near Hiranandani Estate in Thane on January 19, 2025, three days after the incident.

According to Gulf News, police said the accused had used several aliases, including Vijay Das and Bijoy Das.

Charges Against the Accused

Described in reports as a Bangladeshi national, the accused remains in judicial custody. He faces charges under India’s Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including robbery with a deadly weapon, causing grievous hurt and house trespass.

He has also been charged under the Foreigners Act and the Passport (Entry into India) Rules.

The trial began after two unsuccessful attempts by the accused to plead guilty.

According to Gulf News, his lawyer, Vipul Dushing, submitted an application in late August stating that his client was willing to plead guilty and requesting leniency. The court rejected the application on September 11 and ordered the trial to proceed.

The accused again indicated on October 8 that he intended to plead guilty to all charges. Hindustan Times reported that the court rejected this second attempt as well, paving the way for witness testimony to begin.

Actor Previously Recalled Fear of Dying

Khan has previously spoken about the incident in an interview with journalist Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, recalling that he feared he might die while lying injured on the floor.

The actor also said he had considered forgiving the intruder, although he struggled to move past the possibility that the man had tried to kill him.

As the proceedings continue, the defence is expected to cross-examine the nurse. Other household staff members are also expected to testify, and Khan himself could be called as a witness.

The report did not specify a date for the next hearing.