Kamal Ghorui
MUMBAI: A chilling video from Mumbai’s Mira Road has captured the moments a man allegedly confronted and attacked two security guards at an under-construction site in Naya Nagar in what investigators are probing as a possible “lone wolf” terror attack. The footage, filmed from an upper floor by an unidentified person, shows the suspect—wearing an orange T-shirt—lunging at one of the guards with a sharp-edged weapon. The victim, dressed in a white shirt, appears to stagger away while pleading, as the attacker continues the assault. A third man is seen in the frame, seemingly unable to intervene. Police have identified the accused as 31-year-old Zaib Zubair Ansari, who was arrested a day after the attack and later handed over to the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). A local court has remanded him to ATS custody till May 4. According to investigators, the attack took place on April 27 near the Asmita Grand Mansion site in Mira Road’s Naya Nagar area. Two guards—Rajkumar Mishra (50) and Subroto Sen (31)—were injured. Mishra, who sustained grievous injuries, remains in the ICU but is stable, while Sen, who suffered minor injuries, lodged a complaint at the Naya Nagar police station. Eyewitnesses told police that the accused initially approached the guards for directions before returning and asking them about their religion. It is also alleged that he forced one of the guards to recite the Islamic Kalima and attacked when he failed. Officials say early findings point towards possible radicalisation. Agency sources quoted ATS officials as saying the incident appeared to be a “lone wolf” attack. During a search of Ansari’s rented residence in Mira Road, investigators seized digital devices including a laptop and mobile phones. Officials said handwritten notes recovered from the house contained references to the Islamic State and indicated an intent to carry out such an attack. According to sources, the accused described the incident as his “first step” towards joining a terrorist organisation. Police said Ansari had lived in the United States for several years, where he completed his graduation, before returning to India in 2020. He had been living alone in Mira Road and was reportedly providing online chemistry coaching. Investigators believe his isolation may have contributed to his alleged radicalisation through online content. Authorities are now examining his digital footprint to determine whether he had any contact with handlers or extremist networks. The case comes amid a series of recent ATS operations targeting suspected radicalisation. On March 2, the agency conducted searches at residences in Kurla, Shivaji Nagar and Govandi following information about alleged links with banned organisations. Earlier, on February 15, coordinated raids were carried out at 21 locations across Ahilyanagar and Yavatmal districts as part of a wider crackdown. The investigation into the Mira Road attack is ongoing.
