Mumbai attack: Man arrested for forcing guards to recite ‘Kalma’ before stabbing them in Naya Nagar

PTC Web Desk:  Two security guards were allegedly attacked by a 31-year-old in Mumbai’s Naya Nagar area after the latter asked them about their religion, the police said. The accused has been identified as Zaib Zuber Ansari. He  reportedly asked the guards to recite 'Kalma' before attacking them with a sharp weapon.

The incident was reported at 4 am on Monday at an under-construction site located behind Wockhardt Hospital. Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen  were on duty when Ansari allegedly confronted them.

Both guards sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at the same hospital. Mishra managed to reach the hospital on his own, while Sen was helped by a local resident, Nayab Sheikh, who spotted him injured and rushed him first to a police station and later to the hospital.

The police tracked down the accused within 90 minutes using CCTV footage from the area and arrested him. A case has been registered at Naya Nagar police station under charges, including attempt to murder and promoting enmity between groups.

Ansari was later produced before a court in Thane, which remanded him to police custody till May 4.

The investigation is being carried out jointly by the local police and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Officials are examining the accused’s mobile phone and other electronic devices to determine whether the attack was an isolated incident or linked to a larger plan.

According to sources, certain keywords such as “ISIS”, “lone wolf”, “jihad”, and “Gaza” were found in handwritten notes recovered from the accused, raising concerns about possible radicalisation.

Police sources also revealed that Ansari had spent several years in the United States before returning to India after failing to secure employment. He was reportedly living alone in Mira Road and earning through online chemistry classes.