Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya on Tuesday alleged a religious angle in the recent attack on two security guards in Mumbai’s Mira Road area. Reacting to the incident, Somaiya claimed that the assault reflects a concerning pattern and described it as part of a larger conspiracy in the Naya Nagar locality, reported ANI.
He further alleged that members of a particular community were being targeted. According to Somaiya, the accused, identified as Zaib Ansari, had allegedly forced the guards to recite a religious phrase before attacking them when they refused, reported ANI.
Somaiya warned that strict action would be taken against those involved, asserting that law enforcement agencies would identify and prosecute all individuals connected to the incident, reported ANI.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flags self-radicalisation angle
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, indicated that preliminary findings suggest the case may be one of self-radicalisation. According to information shared by the Chief Minister’s Office, investigators recovered books and other incriminating material from the accused’s residence.
Fadnavis stated that the suspect had lived in the United States and had recently returned to India. Early investigation points to the possibility that the accused was influenced by extremist ideology and may have acted independently.
ATS and NIA expand probe to examine wider links
The case is being jointly investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency. Authorities have confirmed that the probe will not be restricted to the accused alone but will also explore potential links to individuals or networks involved in the alleged radicalisation.
Officials have stated that all aspects, including the possibility of a broader conspiracy, are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation, reported ANI.
Attack leaves two guards injured near residential complex
The incident occurred on April 27 near the Asmita Grand Mansion in Mira Road’s Naya Nagar area. According to investigators, the accused, identified as Jabar Zubair Ansari (31), approached the guards initially under the pretext of asking for directions.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that he later returned and questioned the guards about their religion. It is alleged that when one of the guards refused to comply with his demands, the accused attacked both individuals with a sharp-edged weapon. The injured guards are currently undergoing treatment and are reported to be stable.
Handwritten notes and digital trail under investigation
During a search of the accused’s residence, officials reportedly recovered handwritten notes indicating an interest in joining extremist organisations. These materials are being examined for further evidence.
Investigators are also analysing the suspect’s mobile phone and laptop to trace his online activity and determine whether he had any direct contact with external handlers or groups, reported ANI.
Background of accused points to possible online radicalisation
Preliminary findings by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad indicate that the accused is a science graduate who had spent several years in the United States before returning to India. He was reportedly living alone in Mira Road and working as an online chemistry tutor.
Officials believe that his period of isolation may have contributed to exposure to extremist content online. The investigation is ongoing to establish the full sequence of events and any possible connections, reported ANI.
Authorities maintain vigilance as probe continues
Security agencies remain on alert as the investigation progresses. Officials have reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough probe and ensuring that all aspects of the case are examined.
The incident has raised broader concerns about lone-actor threats and online radicalisation, prompting agencies to intensify monitoring and preventive measures in sensitive areas.
(With inputs from ANI)
