A 31-year-old man, Zaib Zubair Ansari, allegedly attacked two security guards at a construction site near Wockhardt Hospital in Mira Road, Mumbai. The incident involved Ansari questioning the guards about their religious identity and demanding they recite religious verses. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the incident as a case of “self-radicalisation” and a suspected “lone wolf” attack.
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, in collaboration with local police, is leading the investigation into the attack. Ansari, after confronting the guards and demanding religious verses, reportedly assaulted them with a knife before fleeing the scene. Prompt action by the Nayanagar Police led to his arrest within an hour of the incident.
Police discovered concerning materials at Ansari’s residence, including documents with keywords like “Jihad,” “Gaza,” and “ISIS.” Ansari, a former teacher, had recently returned from the United States and resided in Mira Road. Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized the ideological nature of the crime, linking it to self-radicalisation influenced by extremist literature and online content.
Authorities are exploring potential accomplices and investigating Ansari’s connections with the help of the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency. The involvement of the latter indicates a high level of national security concern, focusing on uncovering any international terror links. A “lone wolf” attack, as described by police sources, typically involves an individual acting independently but influenced by extremist ideologies.
