Mumbai: Zaib Zubair Ansari, the man who stabbed two security guards in Mira Road in what authorities have termed a "lone wolf attack," is an educated Mumbaikar originally from Kurla. He lived in the United States for a few years before returning to the city. Neighbours in Mira Road, where he settled after his return, say he became increasingly reclusive after separating from his wife last year. On Monday, he attacked two guards with a knife, injuring one critically, after demanding to know their religious affiliation.
A Loner in a Middle-Class Society
Those who interacted with Ansari described him as a loner who rarely left his third-floor flat in the middle-class housing society. No one could identify which mosque he attended, despite several being located nearby. A day before the attack, Ansari was informed that the lease on his rented home had expired. "The last time we saw him was on Sunday, the day before he stabbed the two guards. He seemed normal. He lived on rent and we informed him that his agreement had ended," said Faiyaz Alam, the society's secretary. "He just said he would inform me if he would renew or vacate the flat. We heard of the attack the next morning."
Self-Radicalisation and Online Extremism
A divorced man living alone, Ansari is believed to have self-radicalised by reading extremist literature and watching videos online. "He had submitted a police verification certificate and his agreement with the flat owner. He would pay rent regularly. So, there was no reason for us to go and see what he did inside the home," Alam reasoned. When Ansari rented the flat two years ago, he had come with his mother and wife. "I think he started growing a beard recently because when he came for the flat's agreement two years ago, he did not sport the beard," said the estate agent who arranged the rental.
For the last six months, he had lived alone after divorcing his wife, who moved back to the US. His parents still reside in the US. "His loneliness might have caused depression or pushed him to radicalisation. He would offer namaz regularly," the agent added. The agent recalled a recent encounter with Ansari that hinted at tension. "A few days ago, Ansari got out of an autorickshaw near my office and tried to pay the fare using his phone. When the driver refused to accept online payment, I saw him arguing. Then I gave him Rs 60, which he returned the next day."
Community Reactions and Doubts
Neighbours and residents in the building found it hard to accept that religious extremism was the sole motive for the attack on the two Hindu security guards. "If he wanted to harm a Hindu, the security guard in our building is also a Hindu with a more pronounced mark as he wears a tilak. He would have been an easier target," said Ejaz Khatib, a BJP functionary whose office is in the same society. The incident has raised concerns about self-radicalisation and the challenges of monitoring individuals who appear normal in daily life.
