MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the stabbing of two security guards in Thane is being investigated as a case of self-radicalisation. The accused, Jaib Ansari, allegedly targeted the victims after they were unable to recite the ‘kalma’.
The Chief Minister said authorities are also probing whether the “lone wolf” attack has links to a broader conspiracy or terror network. During a raid, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recovered handwritten notes expressing Ansari’s intent to join ISIS, describing the assault as his “first step”.
The accused, identified as Jaib Zubair Ansari, allegedly attacked two security guards after questioning them about their religion near an under-construction site at Mira Road East in Thane district.
The case has drawn parallels with last year’s Pahalgam attack, as one of the injured guards said the assailant asked them to recite the ‘kalma’ and stabbed them when they could not. The victims were identified as Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen.
Central agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Maharashtra ATS, have joined the probe to examine possible wider networks and digital influences. Police arrested the accused within 90 minutes based on CCTV footage.
“This appears to be a cas of self-radicalisation. Some books and incriminating material was received from the house of the accused. He lived in the United States of America and had recently returned. Preliminary investigation has revealed that he was radicalised.
He wanted to attack the members of Hindu community in name of jihad, which led him to carry out this attack,” Mr. Fadnavis said.
The Maharashtra CM further said that the state government is providing full support to the ATS and NIA to conduct thorough investigations. “The scope of the investigation will not be limited to the arrested accused. It will also investigate the individuals or networks behind this radicalisation.
The entire case will be thoroughly investigated to uncover any possible conspiracy,” he said.
According to the Maharashtra ATS, a raid at Ansari’s residence led to the recovery of handwritten notes in which he expressed his desire to join ISIS. In these notes, he described the attack as his “first step” towards joining the terrorist organisation.
Investigators said Ansari is a science graduate who had lived in the United States for several years before returning to India after failing to secure employment there.
He was living alone in Mira Road. Officials believe he may have been radicalised through the internet, and agencies are now examining the digital footprints on his mobile phone and laptop to determine whether he was in direct contact with any handlers abroad.
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