Mumbai Police officer Daya Nayak, also called the “Encounter Specialist”, is at the forefront of the search operation for the intruder who attacked actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence. Known for killing over 86 criminals in police encounters, Nayak’s legacy is both celebrated and controversial.
Born in Karnataka’s Udupi district, Nayak left his village in 1979 after completing Class 7, to support his family financially. Landing a job at a hotel, Nayak managed to pursue his education, completing Class 12 in a Goregaon municipal school and later graduating from CES College, Andheri.
His fascination with law enforcement began apparently during his stint as a plumber’s apprentice, where he interacted with narcotics officers. In 1995, Nayak became a sub-inspector at Juhu Police Station, joining the force during the height of Mumbai’s underworld dominance.
His first major breakthrough came in 1996 when he killed two Chhota Rajan gangsters in self-defense, earning him fame within the department, Hindustan Times reported.
While Nayak’s record is awe-inspiring, it hasn’t been free of controversy. In 2004, allegations of disproportionate assets led to raids by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The report further stated that Nayak was accused of owning luxury buses and properties. He was briefly arrested. Despite this, he returned to active duty in 2012, continuing his work as a dedicated officer.
The officer is now leading the high-stakes hunt for the accused in Khan’s case.
Actor Saif Ali Khan has successfully undergone surgery and is now out of danger. Doctors at Lilavati Hospital continue to closely monitor his condition. Doctors have confirmed that Saif Ali Khan has been moved to the ICU following his surgery and is currently in recovery.
He is expected to be discharged within two days, IE reported. Khan was injured in a knife attack by an intruder at his Bandra residence in Mumbai during the early hours of Thursday.