Zaib Zubair Ansari: ‘First step to join ISIS’: How stabbing of security guards by US returnee turned terror scare near Mumbai | Mumbai News

A seemingly routine stabbing of two security guards in Mira Road escalated into a major security probe after disturbing notes indicating a desire to join ISIS were found at the accused’s residence.

MUMBAI: What initially appeared to be a violent stabbing of two security guards in Mira Road near Mumbai quickly escalated into a far more serious security investigation after police found disturbing handwritten notes and suspicious material at the accused’s residence, news agency ANI reported.The incident took place around 4am on Monday in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road, where two guards — Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen — were on duty at an under-construction site. Police said a 31-year-old man, identified as Zaib Zubair Ansari, allegedly attacked both men with a knife.Rajkumar Mishra sustained grievous injuries and was rushed to hospital, while Subroto Sen suffered minor injuries.Eyewitness claims cited in the ANI report suggested that the accused first approached the guards, asked for address of a nearby mosque.Both guards said they did not know where the mosque was. The accused then asked if they were Hindus and walked away. Moments later, Ansari returned and asked one of the guards to recite the Kalma, and when he failed, the accused allegedly launched the knife attack, according to news agency PTI.Notably, in a similar pattern, terrorists who targeted tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April last year had reportedly asked a Christian victim to recite the ‘Kalma’ before shooting him dead.Arrested within 90 minutesFollowing the attack, local police launched a rapid manhunt, scanned CCTV footage from the area and identified the suspect. Ansari was arrested within 90 minutes of the incident.However, the case took a dramatic turn when officers searched his Mira Road residence.Handwritten notes trigger bigger probeAccording to the information gathered during the investigation, police recovered handwritten notes in which the accused allegedly expressed a desire to join ISIS.More alarmingly, investigators said the notes described the stabbing attack as a “first step” towards that objective.The discoveries immediately raised concern among security agencies, after which the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) was brought into the case.Digital devices under scannerOfficials are now examining documents, videos and other material recovered from Ansari’s electronic devices, including his mobile phone and laptop.Investigators are trying to determine whether he acted alone or had any contact with extremist handlers or networks.Security agencies are treating the matter as a possible “lone wolf” terror-style attack while examining the accused’s digital footprint.Spent years in USInvestigators said Ansari is a science graduate who spent several years in the United States before returning to India in 2019.After his work permit expired, he returned to India and stayed for some time in Kurla in Mumbai and Vashi in neighbouring Navi Mumbai, the official said.He had reportedly been living alone in Mira Road and conducting online chemistry coaching sessions.Since 2022, he has been living alone in the Smita Regency building. His wife, an Afghan national, had left him and moved to the United States.Officials believe his period of isolation may have played a role in possible online radicalisation, though they are continuing to verify the extent of any external links.ATS takes overThe case, which began as an attempted murder investigation into the stabbing of two guards, has now widened significantly, with ATS leading further questioning and forensic examination.Police have appealed to the public to maintain calm and not believe rumours as the probe continues.(With inputs from agencies)