Can you recite Kalma, Maharashtra man asks 2 security guards, then stabs them

A 31-year-old man was arrested for stabbing two security guards in Mira Road near Mumbai after he asked them about their religion and if they could recite the Kalma (an Islamic declaration of faith), which they denied, police said. The accused, identified as Jaib Zubair Ansari, watched ISIS-propaganda videos and police are probing whether the attack had any ideological or extremist links.

The incident occurred around 4 am on Sunday in Mira Road East, where the two security guards – Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen – were on duty at an under-construction building.

Police said Ansari, who was in the area, saw the guards and asked their names and religion, to which they answered. He then asked whether they could read the Kalma. When the guards said they could not, he allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked them.

Mishra suffered serious injuries, including damage to his intestines, while Sen sustained minor injuries to his back. Sen managed to hide inside a security cabin after the attack, police said.

After assaulting the guards, Ansari fled the scene. Sen alerted police, following which both injured men were rushed to Wockhardt Hospital for treatment.

Police said the guards' condition is stable and they continue to receive medical care.

ACCUSED ARRESTED IN 90 MINUTES

The Maharashtra Police said a police team reached the spot soon after receiving information about the stabbing.

Using CCTV footage from the area, investigators identified Ansari and tracked him to his rented residence in the Naya Nagar area in Mira Road East. He was arrested within one-and-a-half hours of the incident.

A case has been registered at Naya Nagar Police Station based on Sen’s complaint.

During the investigation, police found that Ansari’s online activity allegedly included repeated viewing of ISIS-related propaganda videos.

According to sources, Ansari studied in the US until 2019 before returning to India and living alone in Mira Road on rent. Investigators also found that his landlord had allegedly asked him to vacate the rented flat by May 5.

Until three to four months ago, Ansari worked as a teacher at a coaching centre, where he taught chemistry and mathematics.

ATS JOINS INVESTIGATION

The case has now been transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police for further investigation.

Police said the probe is being jointly conducted by Naya Nagar police and the ATS to determine whether the attack had any larger ideological or extremist links.

In an official statement, police appealed to citizens not to spread rumours or unverified claims about the incident. They warned that legal action would be taken against anyone circulating misinformation related to the case.

- Ends

(with inputs from Pravin Nalavade)