US-returned man stabs 2 security guards near Mumbai; cops probe ‘religious’ angle, ATS roped in | Mumbai News

Zaib Zubair who returned from the US in 2019 allegedly stabbed two security guards in Thane, Maharashtra, in a suspected religiously motivated attack.

THANE: A 31-year-old man has been arrested and booked for allegedly attacking two security guards in the Mira Bhayander area near Mumbai.The attack took place early on Monday when the accused, Zaib Zubair Ansari, allegedly stabbed the two guards, identified as Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen.The Nayanagar police station (Mira Road) has registered a case under sections related to attempt to murder against the accused.Police said, the incident occurred around 4am on Monday. The two guards were working at an under-construction site located in Nayanagar, Mira Road East. Rajkumar Mishra sustained grievous injuries and is undergoing treatment at a local hospital, while Subroto Sen suffered minor injuries and lodged an FIR at the Nayanagar police station.After receiving information about the incident, police scanned CCTV footage from the locality and identified and arrested the accused, Zaib Zubair Ansari, within an hour. He is accused of stabbing both security guards.The Thane Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) initially joined the investigation and interrogated the accused along with Nayanagar police. MBVV officials have appealed for calm and urged people not to believe rumours.Since the attack and Ansari’s arrest, the investigation has seen multiple developments.Initially, MBVV officials said the case was being jointly investigated by local police and the Thane ATS. Later in the evening, the probe was transferred to the Mumbai ATS.Police also shared details of the charges through a press note. Along with attempt to murder and assault charges, the accused was booked under BNS Section 196(1), which deals with promoting enmity, disharmony, or hatred between different groups on grounds of religion, race, language, or caste. This has fueled speculation that the attack may have had a religious motive. However, MBVV police have not officially confirmed any such angle.Sources said, Ansari allegedly first confronted Mishra and asked him to recite a religious slogan. When Mishra resisted, an argument reportedly broke out, during which Ansari stabbed him. He then allegedly attacked Sen, who was nearby.

Zaib Zubair Ansari moved to Nayanagar around six years ago. Sources said he completed his graduation in Chemistry in the United States and returned to India in 2019. He also reportedly conducted online sessions on various educational subjects.Police and forensic teams were seen at the accused’s third-floor residence in Nayanagar, Mira Road East, late into the night. The site of the attack is barely 200 metres from his home.