Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday reacted to the suspected ‘lone wolf’ attack on Mira Road and said it appeared to be a case of self-radicalisation, as investigators found incriminating material in the accused’s house.
He added that the suspect had a “desire” to target members of the Hindu community “in the name of jihad.”
A 31-year-old man who returned from the US was arrested on Monday over a knife attack that injured two security guards on Mira Road. The case was later handed over to the Thane unit of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) after allegations surfaced that the accused stabbed the guards as they refused to recite a religious verse, as mentioned in an earlier HT report.
Fadnavis attacks the “lone wolf” attack
In a statement issued by the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office, Fadnavis said: “This appears to be a case of self-radicalisation. Some incriminating books and materials were recovered from the accused’s house. He was living in the US and had recently returned.”
He added, “Initial investigations revealed his extremism and his desire to attack members of the Hindu sect in the name of jihad, which prompted him to carry out this incident.”
The Prime Minister further said that several agencies are looking into the matter, and the investigation will also look beyond the accused to determine whether a larger network is involved.
“The case is currently being investigated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency and the state government is extending full cooperation to these agencies. The scope of the investigation will not be limited to the accused, but will also investigate the individuals or networks behind his extremism. The entire case will be investigated thoroughly to uncover any possible conspiracy,” he added.
Security agencies are treating the attack as an “isolated” terrorist attack, news agency ANI reported.
It’s all about the case
The accused, who returned to India in 2019 after spending 19 years in the US, was arrested within three hours of the 4am attack, police said.
According to the police, the accused, Jib Ansari, attacked the two victims, Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen, at the construction site of Asmita’s grand palace complex in Naya Nagar on Mira East Road after an altercation turned violent. Both guards sustained multiple injuries.
The incident sparked tension in the area as rumors about a religious angle began to spread. To calm the situation, Thane ATS vehicles reached the spot, while Naya Nagar police shifted the injured to the hospital.
After examining CCTV footage in the area, the police were able to arrest and arrest the accused. “We are investigating to determine the specific motive behind the attack,” an officer from Naya Nagar police station said, adding that the accused appears to be highly educated.
The ATS is verifying the allegations made by some right-wing leaders and examining the background of the accused.
With input from agencies
