Mumbai's Mira Road attack gives Pahalgam reminder: US-returned science graduate asked guard to recite Kalma before stabbing, called it 'first step' to join ISIS

A US-returned science graduate allegedly stabbed two security guards in Mumbai's Mira Road and forced one of them to recite Islamic Kalima. Police said that the 31-year-old man, identified as Zaib Zubair Ansari, allegedly attacked both men with a knife.

The incident has brought back chilling memories of Kashmir's Pahalgam terror attack that happened in April last year when terrorists asked tourists to recite 'Kalma' before shooting them dead. As the police and Anti-Terrorism squad (ATS) began investigating into the motive of Zaib Zubair Ansari, they found the accused spent several years in the US, reports the Times of India.

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Science graduate, chemistry classes

According to the TOI report, Zaib Zubair is a science graduate who spent several years in the US and returned to India in 2019 after his work permit expired. Zaib had reportedly been living alone in Mira Road and was taking online chemistry coaching sessions. He had been staying alone since 2022 in Smita Regency building after his wife, an Afghan national, left him and moved to the US.

Officials believe that he became inclined towards possible online radicalisation when he was staying alone. But they are yet to verify the extent of any external links.

'First step to join ISIS'

Investigators conducted a search of Zaib Ansari's rented residence in Mira Road and seized his digital evidence such as his laptop and mobile phones. Officials also found handwritten notes from his house which contain references to the Islamic State and hinted an intent to carry out such an attack. According to sources, the accused described the incident as his “first step” towards joining a terrorist organisation.

What happened at the Mira Road?

A chilling video captured the moments which shows Zaib Ansari confronting and attacking two security guards in Naya Nagar. The viral footage shows the accused wearing an orange T-shirt, attacking one of the guards with a sharp-edged weapon.

According to news agency ANI, eyewitnesses claimed that the accused first approached the guards, asked for address of a nearby mosque. Both guards said they did not know where the mosque was.

The accused then asked if they were Hindus and walked away. Zaib Zubair Ansari returned moments later and asked one of the guards to recite the Kalma, and when he failed, the accused allegedly launched the knife attack, according to news agency PTI.

Following the attack, local police launched a rapid manhunt, scanned CCTV footage from the area and identified the suspect. Ansari was arrested within 90 minutes of the incident. Agency sources, quoting ATS officials, said the incident appeared to be a “lone wolf” attack.

(With TOI