‘Self-Radicalised Lone Wolf’: Fadnavis Flags Plot To Target Hindus In Mira Road Knife Attack

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) now investigating the case has found through Ansari’s internet search history that he had been watching videos of violence against Muslims. They also found a note referring to “lone wolf” attacks and the Islamic State at the apartment Ansari rented at Naya Nagar in Mira Road. Ansari’s victims have told the police that he began stabbing them after identifying them as Hindus.

A search of Ansari’s apartment also revealed a chit pasted to the inside of the main door. It instructed visitors to recite three Quranic verses and say “Bismillah” and “Salam”. ATS officers found another chit inside the apartment, with the words “Jihad”, “ISIS” and “Khilafat” scribbled on it.

Neighbours told ATS officers that Ansari was a barely, if ever, seen outside his apartment. ATS officers said he was of Indian origin and had lived with his family in the US for 19 years. Ansari had acquired a bachelor’s degree in science in the US and later worked as a laboratory technician. He returned to India in 2019, when he lived in Kurla. He was married to an American national of Afghan origin but the couple had divorced. After that, he moved to Mira Road in 2025.