The Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has launched an investigation after a man identified as 31-year-old Zaib Zuber Ansari, stabbed two security guards on duty in the Naya Nagar area of Mumbai's Mira Road. Security agencies are treating it as a possible "lone wolf" terrorist attack. Mumbai Police arrested Ansari around 1.5 hours after the attack after scanning CCTV footage in the area. 

Guards Stabbed On Failing To Recite 'Kalma'

As per reports, accused first asked the two guards for directions and then returned and asked their religion. The accused then forced the guards to recite the Islamic 'Kalma', and when they failed to do so, he attacked them with a sharp weapon. The guards have been identified as Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen, both are currently hospitalised but in stable condition.

The guards were present at an under-construction building behind Wockhardt Hospital when the attack took place at around 4 am on Tuesday. 

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Suspicious Notes Found From Zaib Zuber Ansari’s House

The police carried out searches at Ansari's home. The investigation team found handwritten notes at Ansari's house in which he expressed desire to join ISIS. According to sources cited by NDTV, in these notes, the accused described the attack as his first step toward joining a terrorist organisation. Words such as 'ISIS', 'lone wolf', 'jihad', and 'Gaza' were mentioned in notes written by the accused.

Accused Lived In US From 2010 To 2019

The investigation revealed that the accused was born in the Kurla area of Mumbai. He is a science graduate and lived in the United States from 2010 to 2019. Unable to find a job in the United States, he returned to India in 2019 and lived alone on Mira Road, where he provided online chemistry coaching.

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While living alone, the accused became radicalised through the internet. Agencies are now examining the digital footprints of his mobile phone and laptop to determine whether he was in direct contact with any handlers across the border.

What Is Kalma In Islam?

 There are six Kalmas as per Islamic scriptures. The First Kalma, known as Kalma Tayyab, is a declaration of faith in God. The words "La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah" mean that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Kalma Tayyab is the core of Islam and is mandatory to believe in for being a Muslim.