Wanted Suspect in YouTuber Attack Killed in Ghaziabad Police Encounter
A 24-year-old man, who was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh for his alleged involvement in the brutal attack on businessman and YouTuber Saleem Wastik, was killed in a police encounter in Loni, Ghaziabad, late on Sunday night. This dramatic development came just one day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a swift arrest and an impartial investigation into the case.
Intensive Manhunt Leads to Fatal Confrontation
Police identified the deceased as Zeeshan, a resident of Amroha who had been living in Khoda Colony. According to authorities, Zeeshan and an associate stabbed Wastik, 55, multiple times in his Loni office on Friday, inflicting life-threatening injuries. Following the assault, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural) Surendra Nath Tiwari stated that more than seven police teams were formed, scanning footage from over 200 CCTV cameras to identify the attackers.
A reward of Rs 25,000 was initially announced for Zeeshan's arrest on Friday and was increased to Rs 1 lakh by Sunday, highlighting the urgency of the manhunt.
Police Operation and Escape of Associate
A senior police officer detailed that around 9 PM on Sunday, authorities received a tip-off indicating Zeeshan had been spotted in Loni and was allegedly planning another crime. "Hundreds of police personnel were deployed at various locations. One team checking roads saw him on a motorcycle with another man. When instructed to stop, he attempted to flee," the officer explained.
The officer further recounted, "After a chase of a few hundred meters, Zeeshan opened fire at the pursuing police officers. In the ensuing crossfire, a bullet struck Zeeshan, causing him to fall onto the road. His associate managed to escape under the cover of darkness, but we immediately surrounded Zeeshan and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. More than eight rounds were fired during the exchange."
Two head constables, identified as Sachin and Nitin, sustained injuries during the gunfight and are receiving medical treatment.
Details of the Initial Attack on YouTuber
Police investigations revealed that on Friday, Zeeshan and his associate arrived at Wastik's office on a motorcycle. They parked outside and asked children in the vicinity to move away before forcibly entering the premises. Inside, they assaulted the YouTuber and stabbed him more than ten times in the abdomen and near the throat before fleeing as family members rushed to the scene.
Wastik was initially taken to a private hospital and later referred to GTB Hospital in Delhi for advanced care. An FIR was registered against two unidentified assailants and five others based on a complaint filed by Wastik's son. The charges include sections 109(1) for attempt to murder and 3(5) for common intention under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Motives and Victim's Condition
Police officials stated they are examining various possible motives behind the attack, including personal enmity and ideological differences. Saleem Wastik is known for posting videos that question fundamentalist practices, which may have contributed to the assault.
His son, Usman, provided an update on his father's condition, saying, "Wastik remains in the intensive care unit. Doctors are particularly concerned about the throat injury. The exact reason behind the attack can only be fully revealed by my father once he is able to communicate."
Broader Context and Investigation
The encounter underscores the heightened police response following Chief Minister Adityanath's directive for a speedy resolution. Authorities continue to search for Zeeshan's associate who escaped and are delving deeper into the circumstances surrounding the attack. The case has drawn significant attention due to Wastik's public profile and the violent nature of the crime, prompting calls for thorough scrutiny and justice.
