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I'm going to die': Guard recalls supervisor's distress call in Mira Road stabbing case
A guard and his supervisor were attacked with a knife in Mira Road. The assailant allegedly targeted them based on religious identity, was caught within about 90 minutes, and investigations are ongoing with notes suggesting potential radicalisation. The victims were hospitalized and the suspect was remanded in custody as police widen the probe.
Why It Matters
The case raises questions about lone-wolf-style attacks and radicalisation, the role of CCTV in rapid arrests, and how authorities coordinate across local police and ATS in tackling suspected extremism.
Timeline
9 Events
Preliminary findings and background details released
April 28, 2026
Preliminary findings referenced notes containing terms such as 'ISIS', 'lone wolf', 'jihad', and 'Gaza'. Investigators noted Ansari had spent several years in the United States, returned to India after difficulties securing employment, and lived alone in Mira Road, earning a living by taking online chemistry classes.
Expanded probe and cross-agency involvement
April 28, 2026
Investigators said the probe has widened, with local police working alongside the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to examine electronic devices and determine whether the attack was isolated or part of a larger plan.
Court remand and custody
April 28, 2026
Ansari was produced before a court in Thane and remanded to police custody until May 4.
CCTV review and rapid tracing of suspect
April 27, 2026
Police scanned CCTV footage from the area to trace the suspect and located Ansari within about 90 minutes of the incident.
Victims hospitalized
April 27, 2026
Both victims, Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen, were admitted to a nearby hospital. Mishra reached the hospital on his own in a wounded condition, while Sen was helped by a local resident, Nayab Sheikh.
Attacker tracked and arrested within ~90 minutes
April 27, 2026
Police traced and apprehended Ansari within roughly 90 minutes of the attack. He was taken to Naya Nagar Police Station and a case was registered against him for attempted murder and promoting enmity between communities.
Subroto Sen escapes and Mishra’s distress call
April 27, 2026
Fearing for his life, Subroto fled toward the back of the building. After some time, he called Mishra’s mobile phone; Mishra, speaking in distress, pleaded for help and said he was dying and requested to be saved.
Stabbing incident at the supervisor’s cabin (around 4:30 am)
April 27, 2026
Around 4:30 am, after following Subroto, Ansari entered supervisor Rajkumar Mishra’s cabin. He allegedly demanded that Mishra recite the Kalma; Mishra was unable to recite it, after which Ansari repeatedly stabbed Mishra while he sat unable to defend himself.
Initial approach by the attacker to guard Subroto Sen (around 4:00 am)
April 27, 2026
Around 4:00 am on April 27, 2026, Zaib Zuber Ansari approached guard Subroto Sen near the under-construction building, asking if there is a mosque ahead and what its name is. Subroto reportedly answered that he did not know the mosque’s name and confirmed he was Hindu.