Radical Videos, Attacks on Guards, and a Map of Mumbai... Who is the 'Lone Wolf'? A Major Plot Exposed.

A major revelation has emerged regarding the accused individual who attacked two security guards in Thane, Maharashtra. Investigations have revealed that the accused was studying maps of sensitive areas within Mumbai.

The 31-year-old accused, Jaib Zubair Ansari, was arrested on Monday within approximately one hour of attacking the guards with a knife at a building under construction in Mira Road. It is alleged that he asked the guards about their religion and demanded that they recite the ‘Kalma’; when they were unable to do so, he launched the attack. Ansari had lived in the United States with his parents from 2000 to 2020 and returned to India in 2020 after his work permit expired.

Influenced by Radical Content

According to sources, the accused used to watch radical videos and was also learning methods associated with ‘lone wolf’ attacks. Investigating agencies are now working to determine whether his inclination toward radicalism developed during his time in the US or after his return to India.

Ansari is a former Chemistry teacher who previously taught at a coaching center. Consequently, officials are also investigating whether he was planning to manufacture explosives or chemical weapons. Sources further believe that the attack on the guards was not a coincidence, but rather an attempt to test the response time of security agencies.

Intention to Join IS

During the investigation, a handwritten note was recovered from the accused’s residence, containing references to ‘lone wolf’ attacks and the terrorist organization, the Islamic State (IS). Additionally, a laptop and three copies of the Quran were seized.

In the notes, he had expressed his desire to join IS, and words such as ‘Jihad’ and ‘Gaza’ were also found written therein. He described this attack as his “first step.” After returning to India in 2020, Ansari lived for some time in Kurla (Mumbai) and Vashi (Navi Mumbai), and had been living alone in the Naya Nagar area of ​​Mira Road since 2022. His wife, who was of Afghan origin, had left him and moved to the United States.

Self-Radicalized

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that this case appears to be one of “self-radicalization”—that is, becoming radicalized on one’s own. He explained that the accused gravitated toward a radical ideology after being influenced by online content and books.

Additionally, the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency are assisting in the investigation of the case. The government is also attempting to ascertain who else might be involved in this matter, or whether other individuals have also been influenced by such an ideology.