Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 28 : BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Tuesday reacted to the alleged attack on two security guards in the Mira Road area, claiming it reflects a "new conspiracy and jihad" in the Naya Nagar locality.
The BJP leader alleged that Hindus are being targeted and attacked, stating that the accused, identified as Zaib Ansari, had allegedly forced the guards to recite the Kalma before attacking them when they refused.
"These days, a new conspiracy and jihad have started in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road. Hindus are being targeted and attacked. These two security guards were being forced to recite Kalma by Zaib and then were attacked upon denial...,'' he said.
He further warned that those involved would face strict action, stating that such elements would be identified and put behind bars.
''The accused was well-trained on how to attack and take a life. They are now stable because they got timely treatment. I want to warn these Jihadis... They will all be put behind bars,'' he added.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the suspected "lone wolf" terror attack in Mira Road appears to be a case of self-radicalisation, with investigators recovering incriminating material from the accused's residence.
"This appears to be a case of self-radicalisation. Some books and incriminating material were recovered from the accused's residence. He lived in the United States and had recently returned. Preliminary investigations have revealed that he was radicalised and had a desire to attack members of the Hindu community in the name of jihad, which led him to carry out this incident," Fadnavis said, according to CMO.
He added that multiple agencies, including the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), are probing the case and examining possible wider links.
"The case is currently being investigated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency, and the state government is providing full cooperation to these agencies. The scope of the investigation will not be limited to the accused, but it will also investigate the individuals or networks behind his radicalisation. The entire case will be thoroughly investigated to uncover any possible conspiracy," he said.
According to ATS officials, accused Jabar Zubair Ansari (31) allegedly targeted two security guards on duty near Asmita Grand Mansion in Naya Nagar on April 27. Security agencies are treating it as a possible "lone wolf" terror attack.
Eyewitnesses claimed he first asked the guards for directions and later returned to inquire about their religion. It is also alleged that he forced one guard to recite the Islamic Kalma and, upon refusal, attacked them with a sharp-edged weapon. The injured guards are currently hospitalised.
When police searched Ansari's home after his arrest, the investigation team found handwritten notes in which he expressed his desire to join ISIS. According to sources, in these notes, the accused described the attack as his "first step" towards joining a terrorist organisation, according to Maharashtra ATS.
The Maharashtra ATC also said that investigations revealed that the accused, Jaber Zubair Ansari, was a science graduate and had lived in the United States for several years. Unable to find a job in the US, he returned to India and lived alone in Mira Road, providing online chemistry coaching. It is believed that during his isolation, the accused became radicalised through the internet. Agencies are now examining the digital footprints of his mobile phone and laptop to determine if he was in direct contact with any handlers across the border.