Who is Daya Nayak? Mumbai's Encounter specialist investigating the Saif Ali Khan attack case

Daya Nayak, the encounter specialist, is investigating Saif Ali Khan's stabbing case. Want to know more about him? Check out the details below!

Updated on Jan 17, 2025  |  06:55 PM IST |  25.3K
Saif Ali Khan Attack: Who is Daya Nayak, an encounter specialist who is investigating the actor’s case?
Picture Courtesy: Pinkvilla

In a shocking incident which took place on Thursday, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Mumbai home, sparking widespread concern among fans and the entertainment industry. The 54-year-old actor was quickly admitted to Lilavati Hospital where he underwent surgery and is reported to be stable. As the police work tirelessly to identify and apprehend the assailant, the investigation is being led by Daya Nayak, a seasoned encounter specialist from the Crime Branch. Discover more about this officer's expertise and involvement in the case.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan Attacked LIVE updates: Suspect detained in actor's case released, Kareena Kapoor exits Lilavati Hospital after meeting husband

Daya Nayak, the head of the Crime Branch’s Unit IX, visited Saif Ali Khan’s residence on Thursday as part of the ongoing investigation.

An Impressive Career Of 84 Encounters

Nayak is a well-known encounter specialist in the police force, recognized for his role in taking down numerous gangsters associated with notorious figures like Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan in the 1990s. With an impressive record of 84 reported encounters, Nayak’s expertise is pivotal in the pursuit of justice for the recent attack on the actor.

Humble Beginnings In Udupi

Hailing from a Konkani-speaking family in Udupi, Karnataka, Nayak had humble beginnings. As the youngest of five siblings, he moved to Mumbai in 1979 in search of work to support his family.

Balancing Work And Education

His first job was at a hotel, where he managed to complete his education by studying at a local school while living on the premises. After finishing his schooling, Daya Nayak went on to graduate from CES College in Andheri.

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Inspired To Join the Force

His aspiration to join the police force began after meeting officers from the Narcotics Department while working as a plumber’s apprentice. 

Joining The Mumbai Police

In 1995, he joined the Mumbai Police as a sub-inspector at the Juhu police station, amidst the height of Mumbai’s underworld activity. His career gained significant attention after he killed two gangsters from Chhota Rajan’s group in 1996 when they attacked him.

A Career Marred By Controversies

Daya’s rising fame was tempered by controversies, including accusations of accumulating wealth beyond his official earnings. In 2004, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigated him for allegedly owning luxury buses and properties in Mumbai and Karnataka. 

Reinstatement and Continued Excellence

Although arrested, the encounter specialist was reinstated in 2012 and continued his work, eventually being posted at the Mumbai Crime Branch, where he made a name for himself by capturing numerous criminals. Daya Nayak is now preparing for his retirement later this year.

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ALSO READ: Saif Ali Khan Attack: What numerologist Rishabh A Grover says about the unfortunate assault on actor

Credits: Hindustan Times
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