Maharashtra CM Fadnavis labels Thane stabbing as 'lone wolf' self-radicalisation attack

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday took cognisance of the “lone wolf” stabbing attack on two security guards in Thane, saying it is being viewed as a possible case of self-radicalisation in which the accused allegedly intended to target members of the Hindu community in the name of jihad. He also said investigators are probing whether a wider network or conspiracy was involved.

"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,” said Fadnavis.

“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 added.

The statement comes after a suspected “lone wolf” terror attack in the early hours of Monday in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road, a suburb of Mumbai, where a 31-year-old man allegedly stabbed two security guards. According to police, the accused, identified as Jabar Zubair Ansari, initially approached the guards on duty under the pretext of asking for directions. He later returned, questioned them about their religion, and allegedly forced one of them to recite the Islamic Kalma. When the guard was unable to do so, he attacked both men with a sharp-edged weapon.

The victims, Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Ramesh Sen, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. Mishra remains in critical condition, while Sen is undergoing treatment. Police said Ansari was arrested within 90 minutes of the incident after CCTV footage helped identify him. A case of attempted murder has been registered, and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has taken over the investigation. During searches at his residence, investigators reportedly recovered handwritten notes in which he expressed a desire to join IS and described the attack as a “first step” towards that goal. Officials are also examining digital evidence from his electronic devices to determine possible links with extremist handlers or networks.