Mumbai: BJP's Kirit Somaiya alleges "religious angle" in Mira Road attack on security gaurds

Bharatiya Janata Party BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Tuesday alleged a religious angle in the recent attack on two security guards in Mumbairsquos Mira Road area Reacting to the incident Somaiya claimed that the assault reflects a concerning pattern and described it as part of a larger conspiracy in the Naya Nagar locality reported ANIHe further alleged that members of a particular community were being targeted According to Somaiya the accused identified as Zaib Ansari had allegedly forced the guards to recite a religious phrase before attacking them when they refused reported ANISomaiya warned that strict action would be taken against those involved asserting that law enforcement agencies would identify and prosecute all individuals connected to the incident reported ANIChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flags selfradicalisation angleMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis however indicated that preliminary findings suggest the case may be one of selfradicalisation According to information shared by the Chief Ministerrsquos Office investigators recovered books and other incriminating material from the accusedrsquos residenceFadnavis stated that the suspect had lived in the United States and had recently returned to India Early investigation points to the possibility that the accused was influenced by extremist ideology and may have acted independentlyATS and NIA expand probe to examine wider linksThe case is being jointly investigated by the Maharashtra AntiTerrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency Authorities have confirmed that the probe will not be restricted to the accused alone but will also explore potential links to individuals or networks involved in the alleged radicalisationOfficials have stated that all aspects including the possibility of a broader conspiracy are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation reported ANIAttack leaves two guards injured near residential complexThe incident occurred on April 27 near the Asmita Grand Mansion in Mira Roadrsquos Naya Nagar area According to investigators the accused identified as Jabar Zubair Ansari 31 approached the guards initially under the pretext of asking for directionsEyewitness accounts suggest that he later returned and questioned the guards about their religion It is alleged that when one of the guards refused to comply with his demands the accused attacked both individuals with a sharpedged weapon The injured guards are currently undergoing treatment and are reported to be stableHandwritten notes and digital trail under investigationDuring a search of the accusedrsquos residence officials reportedly recovered handwritten notes indicating an interest in joining extremist organisations These materials are being examined for further evidenceInvestigators are also analysing the suspectrsquos mobile phone and laptop to trace his online activity and determine whether he had any direct contact with external handlers or groups reported ANIBackground of accused points to possible online radicalisationPreliminary findings by the Maharashtra AntiTerrorism Squad indicate that the accused is a science graduate who had spent several years in the United States before returning to India He was reportedly living alone in Mira Road and working as an online chemistry tutorOfficials believe that his period of isolation may have contributed to exposure to extremist content online The investigation is ongoing to establish the full sequence of events and any possible connections reported ANIAuthorities maintain vigilance as probe continuesSecurity agencies remain on alert as the investigation progresses Officials have reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough probe and ensuring that all aspects of the case are examinedThe incident has raised broader concerns about loneactor threats and online radicalisation prompting agencies to intensify monitoring and preventive measures in sensitive areasWith inputs from ANI