A harrowing account of a knife attack in Mumbai's Mira Road has emerged, with a security guard recounting the terrifying moments when an assailant targeted him and his supervisor based on their religious identity. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, left both victims seriously injured but alive.
The Attack Unfolds
Subroto Sen, a security guard at an under-construction building near Wockhardt Hospital, described the sequence of events to the police. Hours before the attack, the accused, Zaib Zuber Ansari, 31, approached Sen and asked for directions to a mosque. Sen obliged, but Ansari then inquired about Sen's religion. When Sen confirmed he was Hindu, Ansari walked away. However, around 4 a.m., Sen spotted Ansari again at a tea stall and later noticed him following him back to his duty post.
Suddenly, Ansari pulled out a knife, grabbed Sen by the arm, and lunged at him. Sen managed to push him away and ran towards his supervisor Rajkumar Mishra's cabin. But Ansari followed him inside. Mishra was seated on a chair when Ansari demanded, 'You are a Hindu too, aren't you? If not, recite the Kalma.' Mishra could not recite the Islamic declaration of faith, and Ansari began stabbing him repeatedly. Being seated, Mishra could not defend himself effectively.
Sen fled to the back of the building and waited. When the situation seemed to calm, he called Mishra, who pleaded, 'I'm going to die! I'm going to die! Please save me!'
Investigation and Arrest
Police swiftly scanned CCTV footage, tracking down Ansari within 90 minutes. He was taken to Naya Nagar Police Station and charged with attempted murder and promoting enmity between communities. A court in Thane remanded him to police custody until May 4. The probe has widened with the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) joining. Investigators are examining electronic devices seized from Ansari, with preliminary findings revealing notes containing references such as 'ISIS', 'lone wolf', 'jihad', and 'Gaza'.
Ansari reportedly spent several years in the United States, where his family still resides, and returned to India after failing to secure stable employment. He lived alone in Mira Road and earned a living by taking online chemistry classes. Investigators suspect he may have been radicalized through online material.
Victims' Condition
Both victims suffered serious injuries. Mishra managed to reach the hospital on his own despite his condition, while Sen was helped by a local resident, Nayab Sheikh. They are receiving treatment and are expected to recover.
