One of the main accused in the attempted murder of ex-Muslim YouTuber Saleem Wastik was killed in an encounter with Uttar Pradesh Police in the Loni area of Ghaziabad on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Zeeshan, a resident of Amroha district.
According to police officials, Zeeshan sustained two bullet injuries during an exchange of fire when a police team attempted to intercept him based on specific intelligence inputs. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the second accused involved in the attack.
The encounter follows the brutal stabbing of Wastik on the morning of February 27 at his residence in Ashok Vihar Colony under the Loni Police Station limits.
Details of the February 27 attack
As per the First Information Report (FIR) No. 50/2026 registered at Loni Police Station, the complaint was filed by Wastik’s son, Usman, on February 27.
In his complaint, Usman alleged that at around 6 am, his father was sitting at his office located in Ali Garden, under Loni police jurisdiction, when two unidentified individuals arrived on a two-wheeler. According to the FIR, the assailants attacked his father with knives and sharp-edged weapons with the intention of killing him.
The complaint states that the attackers repeatedly stabbed Saleem Wastik in the abdomen and neck, leaving him grievously injured before fleeing the spot. The assailants allegedly escaped immediately after the attack.
Usman further expressed suspicion in his complaint regarding the involvement of certain named individuals. He alleged that Afaaq, Monu, Nadeem (described as a local leader and property dealer), and AIMIM leader Azhar Ali had a role in orchestrating the attack on his father. He requested police to collect evidence and take strict legal action against them.
The FIR mentions that Wastik was initially taken for medical treatment locally and later referred to GTB Hospital in Delhi, where he remains admitted in critical condition.
Based on the complaint, police registered the case under Sections 109(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 109(1) pertains to attempt to murder, while Section 3(5) deals with criminal acts carried out by multiple persons in furtherance of a common intention.
Victim’s background and public profile
Saleem Wastik is known for identifying himself as an “ex-Muslim” and has frequently expressed views critical of Islamic practices and certain interpretations of religious doctrine. He runs two YouTube channels and has appeared in multiple media discussions addressing religious reform, fundamentalism, and social issues.
His primary YouTube channel hosts 179 videos and has approximately 28,400 subscribers. In several interviews and online appearances, Wastik openly stated that he had renounced Islam and questioned aspects of Islamic teachings and clerical authority.
Following the attack, several social media users and commentators linked the incident to his identity as an ex-Muslim and his outspoken criticism of Islamic practices. However, police have not officially confirmed the motive behind the assault and have stated that the investigation is ongoing.
Police action and manhunt
After the FIR was lodged, Uttar Pradesh Police formed 10 special teams to track down the accused. Raids were conducted at four locations, including two in Delhi and two in Ghaziabad.
According to police sources, information was received suggesting that the two primary attackers were again present in the Loni area and were allegedly attempting to locate the victim. Acting on this intelligence, a police team moved to intercept them, leading to the encounter in which Zeeshan was shot.
Officials stated that the accused opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliatory action. Zeeshan was injured in the exchange and later declared dead at the hospital.
Police have not yet disclosed the status of the other named individuals mentioned in the FIR. Investigations are underway to determine the extent of involvement of all those accused.
Political and administrative response
The attack prompted immediate political attention. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed law enforcement authorities to take strict action and ensure the swift arrest of those responsible.
Following the encounter, police reiterated that operations to apprehend remaining suspects are continuing and that further legal proceedings will follow based on evidence collected.
Security has been tightened in the Loni area as a precautionary measure.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have stated that investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the conspiracy behind the attack. Authorities are examining call records, CCTV footage from the locality, and digital evidence to identify all individuals linked to the case.
The role of the second attacker remains under scrutiny. Security in the Loni area has been tightened following the encounter, and patrols have been increased as a precautionary measure.
Officials have not yet disclosed whether the accused had prior criminal records or any documented history of threats against Wastik. However, the scale of the attack, targeting him inside his residence in the early hours of the morning, suggests premeditation.
As of the latest update, Saleem Wastik remains admitted to GTB Hospital in Delhi in critical condition. Zeeshan, one of the alleged attackers, has died following the police encounter.
Authorities have stated that additional details will be shared as the probe progresses.
The stabbing has triggered debate across social media regarding the safety of individuals who publicly criticise religious practices or ideologies. Wastik’s identity as an ex-Muslim has been central to discussions surrounding the attack.
