Mumbai Horror: Asked To Recite Kalma, Man Attacks Two Security Guards In Mira Road

Mumbai: A 31-year-old man stabbed two security guards at Mira Road near Mumbai. Accused Zaib Zubair Ansari asked him about his religion and then asked him to recite Kalma. When they refused he attacked. The police arrested the accused within 90 minutes. Investigation has revealed his watching ISIS propaganda videos and now ATS is investigating the matter in depth.

What happened that morning?

The attack took place on Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen, who were on duty at an under-construction building in the Naya Nagar area of  Mira Road East, at around 4 am on Sunday. Accused Ansari reached there in the dark of night. He first asked the two guards their names and religion. After getting the reply he asked to read the Kalma. When both of them said that they did not know Kalma, Ansari suddenly took out a knife and attacked them.

How serious were the injuries?

Rajkumar Mishra suffered serious injuries. His intestines have been badly damaged. Subroto Sen suffered minor injuries on his back. Sen somehow hid himself in the security cabin and immediately informed the police. Both were immediately rushed to Wockhardt Hospital where their condition is now said to be stable. Doctors are continuously monitoring him.

How was the accused arrested?

The police team reached the spot immediately after the attack. With the help of nearby CCTV footage, investigators identified Jaib Zubair Ansari. They tracked him to his rented house in Naya Nagar area. He was arrested within one and a half hour of the incident. A case was registered at Naya Nagar police station on the complaint of Subroto Sen.

What is Ansari's background?

Ansari was studying in America till 2019. After that he returned to India and started living alone in a rented flat in Mira Road. Till a few months ago, he used to take chemistry and mathematics classes in a coaching center. His landlord had asked him to vacate the house by May 5. Police investigation has found evidence of repeatedly watching propaganda videos related to ISIS in his mobile and online activities.

What was the terrorist angle?

Police are no longer considering this attack as just a personal incident. In view of the accused's association with ISIS propaganda, the case has been handed over to the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad. Naya Nagar police and ATS are jointly investigating. Investigators are trying to find out whether the attack was linked to a larger ideological or extremist conspiracy or whether it was an isolated act.

What appeal did the police make?

Maharashtra Police has appealed to the common citizens not to spread rumors or unverified information regarding the incident. Legal action will be taken against those spreading any kind of misinformation. Police say that the investigation is still going on and further information will be shared only on the basis of correct facts.

What do the local people say?

Mira Road area has been witness to some sensitive incidents in the past also. This attack has created new concerns about security among the local people. Questions are also being raised on the security arrangements of security personnel deployed at construction sites. Police have increased surveillance in the area.

This incident points towards violence on the basis of religious identity. The investigators now have to determine to what extent the thinking of the accused was influenced and whether there was any organized element behind it.