Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was arrested on Wednesday evening for assaulting an NRI businessman and later released on bail, an official said.

Saif was arrested after he was brought by Mumbai police to the Colaba Police station for interrogation in the case.

Saif was virtually declared 'wanted' for assaulting South African NRI businessman Iqbal Sharma, who is also the director general and CEO of the Trade, Industry & Investments of South Africa.

After his release the actor in a statement said, "There was an ugly incident last night where my friends and the ladies with us were abused and I was assaulted. I was hit and I defended myself. I have been to the police station to answer the requirements of law as I am a law abiding citizen. I have also filed a complaint about what happened last night and I am confident justice will be done. I have seen the interviews given on TV and they look like decent people and I cannot believe that the same people were so aggressive the night before and the lies that they are saying about me with such straight faces. I think they have the cc tv footage in the restaurant that will prove everything. I hope the media is able to remain impartial while the matter is being decided. I don't think any gentleman would have behaved differently"