Police have arrested a 31-year-old man for attacking two security guards with a knife on Mira Road near Mumbai. The accused had asked the guard about his religion and also asked if he could recite the ‘Kalma’ (Islamic declaration of faith), to which the guard refused.
The accused has been identified as Zaib Zubair Ansari. He used to watch ISIS propaganda videos and police are investigating whether there is any ideological or extremist link to the attack. If sources are to be believed, the accused are also being linked to the Pahalgam attack.
According to the police, a sensational incident took place at around 4 am on Monday morning in Naya Nagar area of Mira Road. Accused Zaib Zubair Ansari (31) made a fatal attack with a knife on two security guards posted in an under-construction building. Watchmen Subroto Sen and Rajkumar Mishra were injured in this attack. Rajkumar Mishra’s condition is said to be critical, while Subroto Sen is out of danger.
Reached the security guards deployed in the building under construction.
As soon as information about the incident was received, the team of Naya Nagar Police Station reached the spot and arrested the accused. Preliminary investigation by the police has revealed that the accused Zaib Ansari is highly qualified. He went to America in the year 2000 and returned to India in 2019. Early on Monday, he reached near an under-construction building, where he met security guards Subroto Sen and Rajkumar Mishra. During the conversation he attacked her with a knife.
Police said that to escape the attack, Rajkumar and Subroto ran inside the nearby security cabin and closed the door. Due to which his life was saved. After attacking the guards, Ansari fled from the spot. Sen informed the police, after which both the injured people were immediately taken to Wockhardt Hospital for treatment.
Accused arrested within 90 minutes
Maharashtra Police said that as soon as information about the stabbing incident was received, a police team immediately reached the spot. With the help of CCTV footage of the area, investigators identified Ansari and traced him to his rented house in Naya Nagar area of Mira Road East. He was arrested within one and a half hours of the incident. Based on Sen’s complaint, a case has been registered at Naya Nagar police station.
studied in America
During the investigation, police discovered that Ansari’s online activities included repeatedly watching propaganda videos allegedly related to ISIS. According to sources, Ansari studied in America till 2019, after which he returned to India and started living alone in a rented house on Mira Road. The investigators also learned that her landlord had allegedly asked her to vacate the rented flat by May 5. Till three-four months ago, Ansari worked as a teacher in a coaching centre, where he taught chemistry and maths.
Maharashtra ATS also involved in the investigation
Now the case has been handed over to the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police for further investigation. Police said that Naya Nagar Police and ATS are jointly investigating to find out if there is any major ideological or extremist conspiracy behind this attack. In an official statement, the police appealed to citizens not to spread any rumors or unverified news about the incident. He warned that legal action would be taken against anyone spreading false information related to this case.
Videos found of Pahalgam attack
Considering the seriousness of the case, Maharashtra ATS has entered the investigation and the accused is being thoroughly interrogated. During the investigation, the police found indications of watching some videos related to Pahalgam in his mobile/device, the authenticity of which is being confirmed and investigated. Police and ATS teams are thoroughly investigating all aspects including mental condition, background and possible connections.