Mumbai: Actor Saif Ali Khan, who was arrested on assault charges and then released on bail, also filed a complaint with the police , claiming that he was the one to be attacked first and that he acted in self defence.

In a letter to the police, the actor has described the chain of events which culminated in a brawl between him and the NRI Iqbal Sharma. Giving his side of the story Saif Ali Khan said, “There was an ugly incident last night where my friends and the ladies with us were abused and I was assaulted. I don't think any gentleman would have behaved differently.”

The actor also claimed that he acted in self-defence. "I was hit first, I acted in self defence. And as shocking as it may seem, the elderly gentlemen hit me. I'm not sure what provoked him. I am looking forward to CCTV footage (inside the restaurant)," he said, adding that the footage would prove that he was innocent. The actor also complained that the media coverage of the incident was one-sided.

Yesterday the actor was arrested for assaulting an NRI businessman called Iqbal Sharma at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. The actor arrived at the Colaba police station at 8 pm. Girlfriend and co-star Kareena Kapoor accompanied him. He left an hour later, he left after having paid Rs. 15,000 and being granted bail.

According to the police Saif's girlfriend Kareena Kapoor, her sister Karishma Kapoor and actress Amrita Arora were also present with him when the incident occurred. Iqbal was having dinner with his wife and family and objected to Saif and company's lound banter Following his complaints, the actor reportedly bashed him up. A case has been registered at the Colaba police station under Section 325 ((voluntarily causing grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code. In his complaint, Iqbal has stated that the actor assaulted him with a fist blow, causing fracture to his nose bone.

Saif taken into custody | Police arrest Saif | Saif taken inside police station | Exclusive visuals of Saif | Iqbal's interview | Saif Ali Khan granted bail | I was abused and assaulted, alleges Saif | Saif is fabricating the story, says Iqbal | Saif comes out of police station
Also read: Will not accept Saif Ali Khan's apology: Iqbal Sharma