In a major development in the attempted murder of a Ghaziabad businessman who reportedly runs an ex-Muslim YouTube channel, the second accused was critically injured during a police encounter in Ghaziabad late Tuesday (March 3) night. Police officials said the accused, identified as Gulfam, was shot during an exchange of fire with the Crime Branch team in the Indirapuram area.
The encounter came just two days after the first accused in the case, Zeeshan, was killed in a separate police operation. Both suspects, who are brothers and carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh each, had been on the run since the brutal attack on the victim last week.
According to police, the case stems from a shocking incident that took place in the early hours of February 27. Two assailants allegedly broke into the office of businessman and YouTuber Salim Wastik at around 2 a.m. and slit his throat in an apparent attempt to kill him.
Despite the severity of the attack, Wastik survived and was rushed to a hospital, where he continues to receive treatment. Investigators described the assault as particularly brutal and launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators soon after the incident.
Investigators said the identities of the suspects were established through CCTV footage and forensic analysis of the motorcycle used in the crime. The footage reportedly captured the two attackers approaching and fleeing the crime scene, which helped police trace their movements.
The accused were later identified as brothers Zeeshan and Gulfam, both residents of the region and allegedly involved in criminal activities.
On March 1, the first accused, Zeeshan, who was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh was killed in a police encounter after he allegedly opened fire on officers during an attempt to evade arrest.
Police sources said Zeeshan was confronted by a team that had been tracking his location for several days. During the exchange of fire, he was shot and later declared dead.
Following Zeeshan’s death, the search intensified for the second suspect, Gulfam. Acting on intelligence inputs, a team from the Ghaziabad Crime Branch located him within the jurisdiction of the Indirapuram police station area.
According to officials, Gulfam allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire when the police team intercepted him. In the ensuing exchange, he was shot and seriously injured.
He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
The encounter was conducted under the supervision of senior officers, including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Piyush Singh and Crime Branch in-charge Inspector Anil Rajput.
Police officials stated that the operation was part of a coordinated effort to apprehend those involved in the attack and prevent further violence.
With one accused killed and the other critically injured, investigators say the immediate threat posed by the suspects has been neutralised.
Police have indicated that the investigation into the attack is still ongoing, with officers examining the motive behind the attempted killing. Authorities are also reviewing the background of the accused and any possible connections linked to the victim’s activities.
Officials said additional evidence, including digital records and communication trails, is being analysed to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
Meanwhile, security around the victim and sensitive areas in the district has been heightened as police continue to monitor the situation.
