Jaib Ansari, the man accused of stabbing two security guards in Nayanagar, Mumbai, after allegedly questioning them about their religion and asking them to recite the Kalima, is reportedly a US returnee whose parents currently live in the United States, reported India Today, citing sources. Investigators said Ansari had been studying in the US until 2019 before returning to India. After coming back, the 31-year-old reportedly stayed alone in a rented apartment in Mira Road. His landlord had recently instructed him to vacate the premises before May 5, the report added. Officials are now examining his background and activities as part of the ongoing investigation into the shocking incident.
Ansari frequently consumed ISIS-related material and extremist videos online, and investigators are now closely examining his digital activity as a major part of the probe, reported India Today, citing sources. Officials suspect that his online behaviour could provide clues about his alleged radicalisation. Investigators also discovered that Ansari had earlier worked as a Chemistry and Mathematics teacher at a coaching institute. However, he stopped teaching nearly three to four months before the incident occurred. Security agencies are now trying to determine whether he had become increasingly isolated during that period and if his activities indicated preparation for extremist violence or ideological influence.
The attack reportedly occurred during the early hours of Monday near an under-construction building in Mumbai. According to investigators, Ansari allegedly approached security guards Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen and questioned them about their names and religion. Officials said he then asked whether they could recite the Kalima, the Islamic declaration of faith. When the guards reportedly replied that they could not, Ansari allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked both men. Police tracked the accused through CCTV footage and arrested him within 90 minutes of the assault. The matter has now been transferred to the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), with investigators treating it as a suspected religiously motivated attack.
Security agencies have reportedly recovered several incriminating documents and videos from Ansari’s mobile phone as part of the investigation. Officials are currently examining whether he was influenced by extremist propaganda or was allegedly preparing for a possible “lone wolf” style attack. Authorities are also analysing his communication records, browsing history, and digital interactions to establish the extent of any radical influence. According to officials, injured guard Rajkumar Mishra remains in critical condition, while Subroto Sen is also receiving medical treatment at a hospital. Investigators said further findings from forensic examinations may help determine the motive and planning behind the attack.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police urged citizens not to believe or circulate rumours related to the incident across social media or other platforms. Officials warned that spreading misinformation could create unnecessary panic and disturb public order. Authorities stated that strict legal action would be taken against individuals found sharing false or misleading content regarding the case, in accordance with the law. Police have appealed to the public to rely only on verified information released through official channels during the investigation. Security agencies and ATS officials continue to question the accused while gathering additional evidence connected to the suspected religiously motivated stabbing incident.