An accused in the stabbing of YouTuber Salim Ahmed, known as Salim Wastik, died in a police encounter in Ghaziabad, intensifying the investigation into the attack motivated by the YouTuber's controversial videos.
Key Points
- Zeeshan, an accused in the stabbing of YouTuber Salim Ahmed, died in a police encounter in Ghaziabad.
- Zeeshan, who had a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head, was allegedly involved in the attack on Salim Ahmed, also known as Salim Wastik.
- The YouTuber, Salim Ahmed, was stabbed multiple times in his office and is in critical condition.
- Police investigations suggest the attack on the YouTuber may have been motivated by his videos criticizing certain religious practices.
- A case has been registered, and multiple teams are conducting raids to track down other suspects involved in the YouTuber stabbing case.
An accused wanted in connection with the alleged stabbing of a YouTuber died after being injured in an encounter with the police in the Loni area of Ghaziabad, officials said.
According to Loni Police Station House Officer (SHO) Mukesh Singh Solanki, the deceased, identified as Zeeshan (24) a resident of Amroha, was involved in the alleged stabbing of YouTuber Salim Ahmed, also known as Salim Wastik, and carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh.
A knife, a country-made pistol, cartridges and a motorcycle were recovered from the encounter site. Another accused in the case is still at large.
"The accused, Zeeshan, was injured during an exchange of fire with a police team," âAdditional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash said, adding that he was taken to a hospital where he died during treatment on Sunday night.
According to the police, the YouTuber, Salim Ahmed, was stabbed multiple times in his office at Ali Garden shortly after morning prayers.
Two individuals wearing helmets and riding a motorcycle carried out the attack, leaving Ahmed with critical injuries to his neck, abdomen, and ear.
He was initially taken to a local hospital before being referred to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in Delhi. His condition was stated to be critical, according to a source at the hospital.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Loni, Siddhartha Gautam, had earlier said Ahmed runs a YouTube channel where he identifies as an 'Ex-Muslim.'
Preliminary investigations suggested that the attack may have been motivated by his videos criticising certain religious practices, the officer said.
A case was registered based on a complaint filed by the victim's son, Usman. Seven people in the case, including an AIMIM leader identified as Ajgar, along with Ashraf, Shahrukh, Sonu and Bhati Builder.
Multiple teams were formed and raids were conducted at different locations across Delhi and Ghaziabad to track the suspects, the police added.
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