Ghaziabad Police Investigate Instagram Account of Encounter-Killed Suspect for Attack Motive
In a significant development following a violent knife attack on popular YouTuber Saleem Wastik, Ghaziabad police are meticulously scanning the social media footprint of the primary suspect, Zeeshan, who was killed in a late-night police encounter days after the assault. Authorities are focusing on Zeeshan's Instagram account, hoping his numerous videos and posts will provide crucial insights into what drove the brutal attack at Wastik's Loni office.
Instagram Account Reveals Religious and Political Commentary
Officials confirmed that the Instagram handle 'insprirewithzeeshan' contains dozens of posts where Zeeshan presented himself as an Islamic speaker, offering commentary on religion and current affairs. The account, which was created on September 26, 2025, includes references to several sensitive topics, including the Babri Masjid, the Madina bus accident that claimed the lives of 45 Indian pilgrims, and the ongoing Palestine conflict.
In a video uploaded on December 4, Zeeshan explicitly stated that Babri Masjid represents the "right" of every Muslim. Another post from November 19 declared that the 45 pilgrims killed in the Madina bus crash had achieved shahadat (martyrdom). These posts are now under intense scrutiny as investigators attempt to establish any ideological motivations behind the attack on Wastik.
Police Trace Digital and Financial Trails
A senior police officer revealed that Zeeshan's mobile phone led investigators directly to his Instagram account. The last video was uploaded on February 17, just ten days before the attack on Saleem Wastik occurred. In addition to examining his social media activity, police are also scanning Zeeshan's bank account to ascertain whether he received any foreign funds that might have influenced his actions.
"We have sought comprehensive details of the account, including all financial transactions," the officer stated, adding that authorities are actively mapping Zeeshan's movements and contacts in the period leading up to the attack. "We are still diligently looking for a clear motive behind this violent assault," the officer emphasized, indicating that the investigation remains wide-ranging.
Details of the Attack and Subsequent Encounter
The attack unfolded last Friday when Zeeshan, accompanied by his brother Ghulfam, arrived on a motorcycle outside Saleem Wastik's office in Loni. After parking their bike and asking nearby children to move away, the duo allegedly forced their way into the office, assaulted Wastik, and stabbed him more than ten times, targeting his abdomen and throat area before fleeing as family members rushed to the scene.
Wastik was initially taken to a private hospital, then referred to GTB Hospital in Delhi, and later shifted to Max Hospital on Saturday. Police confirmed that his condition remains critical. Following the attack, an FIR was registered based on a complaint by Wastik's son against two unidentified assailants and five others under BNS sections 109(1) for attempt to murder and 3(5) for common intention.
On Sunday night, Zeeshan was killed in a police encounter in Loni, just one day after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a speedy arrest and impartial investigation into the matter. Police are examining all possible motives, including personal enmity and ideological differences, as they continue to piece together the events leading to this violent incident.
