Ghaziabad YouTuber Attack: ₹1 Lakh Bounty Accused Shot Dead in STF Encounter; Hunt Intensifies for Second Suspect

Shortly after a brutal knife attack left 50-year-old YouTuber Saleem Wastik battling for his life, one of the prime suspects was killed late Sunday night in a high-stakes gunfight with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Ghaziabad police.

The deceased, identified as Zeeshan — a resident of Khoda and carrying a ₹1 lakh reward — was critically injured during the exchange of fire and later died in hospital, police confirmed.

Encounter in Ali Garden

According to Ghaziabad Commissioner of Police J. Ravinder Gaud, law enforcement received intelligence inputs that the suspects had been spotted in the Ali Garden area. Police teams quickly mobilised and intercepted two men riding a motorcycle.

“When officers signalled them to halt, the suspects allegedly opened fire, injuring two policemen. The team retaliated,” a senior officer said. Zeeshan was shot during the crossfire and rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural) Surendra Nath Tiwari stated that Zeeshan lived alone in Khoda and that efforts are underway to locate his family members.

Meanwhile, multiple police units have been deployed across western Uttar Pradesh to apprehend the second accused, who remains at large.

How the Accused Were Traced

Investigators from the STF revealed that the breakthrough came after analysing CCTV footage from the vicinity of the crime scene.

Authorities were able to identify the motorcycle used in the attack and trace it back to the suspects. Following their identification, a cash reward was announced to accelerate their arrest.

Motive Linked to Ideological Differences

Police sources indicated that the attackers were allegedly angered by Wastik’s public statements regarding Islam.

Officials claimed that the victim had renounced the religion and had been expressing critical views through his platform, which may have provoked the assault.

Authorities described the suspects as “radicalised individuals” motivated by ideological hostility.

The Attack and Medical Condition

Wastik was reportedly attacked inside his office around 6 am on Friday. According to police, the assailants stabbed him in the abdomen and slashed his throat before fleeing the scene.

He was initially admitted to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in Delhi, but has since been shifted to another medical facility due to security concerns. His condition remains extremely critical.

His son, Usman, said the family is devastated and fearful. “My father is very serious. We have moved him for safety reasons. We are not in a position to speak much. We just want justice,” he said.

FIR and Allegations

In his formal complaint, Usman named several individuals — including Asfaq, Sonu, Shahrukh (described as a local leader), and Ajgar Ali, allegedly linked to AIMIM — as persons he suspects may have been involved.

Police have registered an FIR at Loni police station under Sections 109(1) (attempt to murder) and 3(5) (criminal act with common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Investigators say all angles, including conspiracy and external support, are being examined.

With one suspect dead and another on the run, security agencies remain on high alert as they intensify efforts to bring all those responsible to justice.

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