According to sources, a handwritten note recovered from the accused has raised serious security concerns. The note reportedly contained references to “ISIS,” “jihad,” and “Gaza,” along with threatening language and radical messaging. Among the phrases found were warnings such as “LONE WOLVES WILL POUNCE ON YOU” and declarations indicating impending violent action in India, alongside fragmented lines referring to individuals, families, and Gaza.
Police identified the accused as Zubair Ansari. Officials stated that he initially approached the location under the pretext of seeking directions to a mosque before leaving. He later returned and confronted one of the security guards, questioning him about his religion and allegedly demanding that he recite an Islamic declaration of faith. When the guard refused, Ansari attacked him with a knife. He then entered the security cabin and carried out a similar assault on another guard.
Following the recovery of suspicious materials, the case was transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Squad for further investigation. Authorities are currently examining the accused’s digital footprint, including mobile data, browsing history, and communication records, to determine the extent of his exposure to extremist content and any possible links to broader networks.
Search operations at the accused’s residence reportedly uncovered additional notes and documents suggesting influence from extremist ideology associated with the banned terror group ISIS. Investigators found repeated references to “lone wolf,” “jihad,” and “Gaza,” reinforcing concerns about radicalisation.
Officials revealed that Ansari is a science graduate who had lived in the United States for several years. After returning to India, he resided alone in Mira Road and worked as an online chemistry tutor. Sources indicated that a period of unemployment and isolation may have contributed to his gradual exposure to radical content through social media platforms, video-sharing websites, and messaging applications.
Authorities are examining whether the attack was carried out independently or involved any external support. They are also assessing whether the act was premeditated or spontaneous.
Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the case as one of “self-radicalisation.” He confirmed that the accused has been arrested and stated that agencies including the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency will assist in determining whether any individuals or organised networks played a role in the radicalisation process.
The incident has heightened concerns over the threat of self-radicalised individuals and the influence of online extremist propaganda, prompting security agencies to intensify monitoring and investigative efforts to prevent similar attacks.
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