Who is Daya Nayak? Mumbai’s Encounter Specialist Investigates Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra Attack

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Bandra home in Mumbai early Thursday, sustaining multiple stab wounds. The incident has left the film industry and fans in shock. Fortunately, the 54-year-old actor underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital and is now out of danger, according to his team.

Saif’s wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their two children are safe.

Mumbai Police are actively investigating the attack. Officers were seen at Saif’s Bandra West apartment complex, Satguru Sharan. Among them was Daya Nayak, a prominent encounter specialist known for his track record of eliminating over 80 gangsters from Mumbai’s underworld in the 1990s.

Daya Nayak’s Background and Rise to Fame

Born to a Konkani-speaking family in Udupi, Karnataka, Daya Nayak is the youngest child of Badda and Radha Nayak. He left his village in 1979 after completing Class 7 at a Kannada-medium school to seek work in Mumbai to support his family.

In Mumbai, Nayak worked at a hotel while continuing his education. He completed Class 12 at a municipal school in Goregaon and later graduated from CES College in Andheri. His interest in becoming a police officer began after encountering narcotics department officers while working as a plumber’s apprentice.

Nayak achieved his dream in 1995 when he joined the Mumbai Police as a sub-inspector at the Juhu police station. This was during the height of Mumbai’s underworld activities. His first major breakthrough came in December 1996 when he killed two Chhota Rajan gang members in Juhu after they allegedly opened fire on him. This operation elevated his reputation within police circles.

Controversies Surrounding Daya Nayak

Despite his fame, Nayak has faced his share of controversies. He was accused of possessing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. In 2004, a court under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate him.

During raids conducted by the ACB at six locations, including two in Bangalore, it was discovered that Nayak allegedly owned luxury buses operating under Vishal Travels in Mumbai and another fleet in Karnataka’s Karkala town. Following these allegations, Nayak was arrested by the ACB.

However, after years of legal battles, he was reinstated in 2012 as Additional Commissioner of Police (West) Control Room.

Daya Nayak’s visit to Saif Ali Khan’s residence reflects the seriousness of the investigation into this high-profile case.