Knife attack on security personnel in Thane; ATS probes ‘lone wolf’ angle

Mumbai,  : In a shocking incident in Maharashtra’s Thane, a man allegedly carried out a knife attack on two security personnel, raising serious concerns over possible radicalisation and lone-wolf terror links.

According to preliminary reports, the accused, identified as Jaib Zubair Ansari, had recently returned from the United States. He reportedly approached security staff at a local facility and questioned them about their religion before launching the attack.

Officials said the accused asked the guards to recite the “Kalma,” and when they refused, he stabbed both of them with a knife. The injured personnel were rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.

A senior officer from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad told PTI, “The accused appears to have acted alone. We are investigating the motive and examining all possible links, including radicalisation. The victims were attacked after refusing to comply with his demands.”

Following the incident, the accused was immediately detained by local police. A case has been registered at the Nayanagar Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the  accuseds appeared to have been “self-radicalised.” He stated, “Prima facie, it looks like a case of self-motivated radicalisation. The agencies are probing all angles.”

Investigators have recovered several suspicious materials from the  accuseds residence, including notes referencing “lone wolf” attacks and the terrorist outfit Islamic State. Electronic devices such as a laptop and documents are being analysed for further leads.

“Considering the seriousness and wider implications of the case, the ATS has taken over the investigation,” an official statement said. Authorities also confirmed the seizure of multiple items, including written notes and other materials that could indicate ideological influence.

The incident bears similarities to past lone-wolf style attacks and has put security agencies on alert. Officials are now working to determine whether the accused had any external links or acted purely on personal radical beliefs.

Security has been tightened in sensitive areas, and intelligence agencies are closely monitoring developments as the investigation continues.