'Accused Was Planning To Record Video Claiming Responsibility': ATS In Mira Road Stabbing Case

Last Updated:April 30, 2026, 18:26 IST

Maharashtra ATS probes Mira Road knife attack as possible lone wolf terror act, suspect Zaib Zubair Ansari wore black, wiped phone, may have planned claim video.

Days after knife attack on two security guards in Mumbai’s Mira Road, investigations by Maharashtra ATS has revealed more details in the case.

The incident took place in the wee hours of April 27 in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road. The accused, Zaib Zubair Ansari (31), had attacked two security guards – Subrata Sen and Rajkumar Mishra. He was soon taken into custody and booked under sections relating to attempt to murder.

Ansari was arrested by the Maharashtra police from his rented house in the Naya Nagar area in Mira Road East. After attacking the security guards, he had reportedly gone home and slept. However, he was arrested within one-and-a-half hours of the incident.

On April 28, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) launched a probe into the attack, with security agencies treating it as a possible “lone wolf" terror attack.

According to preliminary investigations by the ATS, Ansari decided to return to his home after the attack instead of fleeing the scene. The officials said that it is believed that this was not a spur-of-the-moment decision made in panic, but rather a calculated move.

⁠According to sources, Ansari washed the knife he had used, changed out of his blood-stained clothes, and then put on a black attire.

They said that the investigating agencies are currently examining whether the choice to wear black clothing was linked to any form of radical ideology or symbolism. Officials said that the use of black flags and black clothing is frequently observed in propaganda associated with the terrorist organization ISIS.

The officials further said that the investigation has raised suspicions that, following the attack, the accused was preparing to record a video or issue a message claiming responsibility for the act.

“Releasing a video or message is considered a common pattern used to establish the identity of ‘lone wolf’ attackers. However, it remains unclear whether he managed to do so before the police arrived," they said.

⁠Nayanagar police have recovered knife and blood-stained clothing from the accused’s residence.

“⁠The accused formatted his mobile phone prior to his arrest. Agencies suspect that he did this with the specific intent of destroying evidence," they added.

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