KKN Gurugram Desk | Recent reports have revealed that Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, also known as Bijoy Das, a Bangladeshi national who allegedly attacked Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, entered India illegally via the Dawki River along the India-Bangladesh border. The attacker reportedly used fraudulent means, including a Meghalaya resident’s Aadhaar card, to obtain a SIM card.

Illegal Entry and Fraudulent Identity

Shehzad, 30, crossed into India through the Dawki River located near the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. Upon entering the country, he assumed the name Bijoy Das and initially stayed in West Bengal for a few weeks. Later, he moved to Mumbai in search of employment, according to reports.

Quoting sources, The Indian Express revealed that Shehzad acquired a SIM card registered under the name Khukumoni Jahangir Sekh, a resident of West Bengal. While he attempted to create an Aadhaar card under his alias Bijoy Das, his efforts failed.

Details of Shehzad’s Background

Shehzad informed authorities that he:

• Studied up to Class 12 in Bangladesh.
• Has two brothers.
• Entered India illegally to find work and build a better life.

The incident has raised significant concerns about border security and the use of fraudulent identification documents within India.

Political Reaction

The case has sparked a political debate regarding the infiltration of illegal immigrants and its implications. Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, in an X (formerly Twitter) post, highlighted the incident, saying:
“The illegal Bangladeshi immigrant who attacked actor Saif Ali Khan entered India via Meghalaya.”

This statement has intensified discussions around the enforcement of stricter border controls and monitoring systems.

Security Concerns and Aadhaar Misuse

The misuse of a Meghalaya resident’s Aadhaar card to obtain a SIM card has raised alarms about the vulnerabilities in India’s identification system. Despite the government’s efforts to secure the Aadhaar framework, incidents like these highlight the ease with which fraudulent individuals can exploit the system.

Experts are calling for:

• Enhanced verification protocols for issuing Aadhaar cards.
• Stronger measures to prevent illegal immigrants from acquiring Indian identification documents.
• Comprehensive monitoring of mobile SIM card issuance to detect fraud.

Employment Search Turned Attack

Shehzad’s initial goal, as he stated during police interrogations, was to find employment in India. However, his actions in attacking a prominent public figure like Saif Ali Khan have drawn nationwide attention. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, but it has underscored the risks posed by individuals entering the country illegally.

Steps Forward: Strengthening Security

This incident has renewed focus on India’s border security measures and the need for robust checks at entry points like Dawki, a known infiltration route. Measures being considered include:

1. Tighter Border Controls: Increasing surveillance along the India-Bangladesh border, especially at vulnerable points like rivers.
2. Enhanced Technology: Using biometrics and facial recognition to prevent misuse of Aadhaar and other identification systems.
3. Collaboration with Neighboring Countries: Strengthening diplomatic ties with Bangladesh to address cross-border infiltration and streamline information sharing.

The attack on Saif Ali Khan by Shariful Islam Shehzad, an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant, has brought critical issues to light, including gaps in border security and the misuse of India’s identification system. This incident serves as a wake-up call for Indian authorities to tighten security, improve verification protocols, and prevent such occurrences in the future.