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Lone-wolf Mira Road attacker may have been radicalised by ex-wife, cops say
Police say the Mira Road attacker, Zaib Zubair Ansari, may have been radicalised by his ex-wife. He allegedly stabbed two guards on April 27, 2026, after confirming their Hindu identities, and investigators have found incriminating materials at his home as they pursue UAPA charges. On May 4, 2026, a special court extended his remand and ordered further forensic and medical steps.
Why It Matters
The case highlights concerns about lone-wolf radicalisation, potential cross-border influences, and the use of anti-terror laws in ongoing investigations.
Timeline
6 Events
May 4, 2026 – Medical examination ordered
May 4, 2026
The special UAPA judge ordered a medical examination of Ansari, with a board of doctors to assess his mental health and provide a psychological profile as part of the investigation.
May 4, 2026 – Handwriting samples sought
May 4, 2026
An ATS officer stated that handwriting samples would be collected to check for matches with the handwriting on the chits found at Ansari's home. Investigators also consider whether he tried to radicalise his online students.
May 4, 2026 – Court hearing and remand extension
May 4, 2026
In Thane special UAPA court, police remand was extended until May 11 as the Maharashtra ATS sought further custody. The ATS stated the attacker was a 'lone wolf' trained to act without help and that incriminating material, including chits bearing the Khilafat oath, the words 'ISIS', and 'Your Mushrikeen will see real jihad in Bilad Hind now', were found at his home. Investigators also noted plans to study mirror images from forensic labs and suspected his ex-wife's involvement in radicalisation.
April 27, 2026 – Attack at Mira Road construction site
April 27, 2026
Zaib Zubair Ansari allegedly stabbed two security guards at a construction site in Naya Nagar, Mira Road, after confirming they were Hindu. After the attack, he returned home and scrubbed his phone and laptop.
Marriage ended; ex-wife relationship concluded
2025
Ansari's marriage ended in 2025. His ex-wife is an American national of Afghan origin who had lived in India briefly.
Marriage of Zaib Zubair Ansari
2023
Zaib Zubair Ansari got married in 2023. He later lived alone in a rented apartment in Naya Nagar, Mira Road.