A grave error by Mumbai Police in the investigation of Saif Ali Khan's stabbing case has upended the life of Akash Kailash Kanaujia, a man from Chhattisgarh. Wrongly identified as a suspect, Akash not only lost his job but also had a marriage proposal fall through. He now plans to stand outside the Bollywood actor's residence in Mumbai, seeking justice and a job.

Akash, who was traveling from Mumbai, was detained by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Durg on January 18. He was on his way to meet a prospective bride when he was arrested and later allegedly mistreated by Mumbai Police.

"The Mumbai Police ruined my life with one mistake. They failed to notice a simple detail—the suspect in the CCTV footage from the actor's building didn’t have a moustache, but I do," Akash told PTI.

Although Akash was released when the police verified his identity did not match the suspect, the damage had already been done. His photographs were widely circulated in the media via a police press release, tarnishing his reputation.

"When I informed my employer about my release, they told me not to report to work. To make matters worse, my grandmother said that the family of the prospective bride had withdrawn from the marriage talks after learning about my detention," Akash shared.

His grandmother, Tulsa Bai Yadav, expressed her frustration, saying, "He worked in Mumbai and rarely contacted us, but the railway police's wrongful detention cost him his job and marriage prospects. We are demanding compensation from the government."

Akash explained that while in custody, he had begged the police to review the CCTV footage and contact his family to prove his innocence. However, the damage was irreversible. Marriage prospects have dried up, and his career has taken a hit. Determined to rebuild his life, Akash has vowed to stand outside Saif Ali Khan's building in Mumbai, seeking justice and a livelihood.

Meanwhile, the real suspect, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national, has been arrested in Thane. Shehzad allegedly entered Saif Ali Khan's Bandra residence on January 16 with the intent to steal. When confronted, he turned violent, stabbing the 54-year-old actor multiple times.

The incident has sparked criticism of Mumbai Police’s handling of the investigation, highlighting the severe personal consequences of their oversight.