Mira Road Knife Attack: CM Devendra Fadnavis Calls Stabbing a Case of ‘Self-Radicalisation’

A shocking knife attack in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road has raised serious security concerns after a man allegedly targeted two security guards by questioning their religion before attacking them. The accused, identified as 31-year-old Zubair Ansari, has been arrested by the police. According to investigators, the assault resembled a “Pahalgam-style” attack, where the victims were allegedly asked whether they could recite the Kalma before being stabbed. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted strongly to the incident and described it as a case of “self-radicalisation.” He stated that extremist content available through books, online material and internet platforms appeared to have influenced the accused’s mindset and pushed him toward violent behaviour.

Speaking to reporters in Solapur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the accused seemed to be driven by radical ideology and believed that carrying out “jihad” meant attacking people belonging to other religions. He added that agencies such as the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would assist in examining whether others were linked to the suspect or involved in spreading radical ideas. The CM revealed that Ansari’s family currently lives in the United States and that he himself had spent several years abroad before returning to India. After initially residing in Kurla, he later shifted to Naya Nagar in Mira Road. Authorities are now investigating whether more individuals may have been radicalised through similar channels.

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As per preliminary information, the incident took place around 4 am on Sunday at an under-construction building in Mira Road East. Two security guards, Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen, were on duty when the accused allegedly arrived at the site. Police said Ansari first asked the guards about their names and religion before questioning whether they could recite the Kalma. When the guards replied negatively, he allegedly launched a knife attack. Rajkumar Mishra sustained severe internal injuries, including damage to his intestines, and is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. Meanwhile, Subroto Sen managed to escape by hiding inside the security cabin and later alerted the police about the assault.

Investigators suspect the case may be linked to a possible “lone wolf” style attack after a handwritten note was allegedly recovered from the accused. The note reportedly contained phrases such as “Lone Wolves Will Pounce On You” along with references to “real jihad” in India, Gaza and extremist ideology. Police sources said Ansari frequently watched radical ISIS-related videos online and had become deeply influenced by such propaganda. Officials also revealed that the accused is highly educated and had studied in the United States until 2019. He later worked as a mathematics and chemistry teacher at a coaching institute. Authorities are now examining his mobile phone, internet browsing history and contacts to determine whether the attack was pre-planned or carried out impulsively.