Ex-Muslim YouTuber Saleem Wastik Stabbing: Zeeshan Killed and Gulfam Injured in Encounter.

One Accused Killed, Another Critically Injured in Police Encounters in Connection with the Alleged Jihadi Attack on Ex-Muslim YouTuber Saleem Wastik.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | March 3, 2026:: One of the two men accused of stabbing ex-Muslim YouTuber Saleem Wastik was killed in a police encounter on Sunday, while the second accused was critically injured in a separate encounter on Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Police officials said.

The developments come days after Wastik was brutally attacked at his residence in the Loni area of Ghaziabad district.

The Attack on Saleem Wastik

According to police, two assailants barged into Wastik’s home in Ashok Vihar Colony, under the jurisdiction of Loni Police Station, on the morning of Friday, February 27. The attackers allegedly arrived on a motorcycle, entered the house without removing their helmets, and repeatedly stabbed Wastik in the neck and abdomen before fleeing the scene.

Hearing the commotion, local residents gathered and alerted the police. Wastik was first taken to a nearby hospital and later referred to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in Delhi after his condition deteriorated. Hospital sources had described his condition as extremely serious. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), according to his son, Usman.

“Doctors are concerned about the throat injury. The exact reason behind the attack can only be revealed by my father,” Usman said.

The Friday attack on Saleem Wastik is being speculated to be a “jihadi attack” stemming from ideological differences between an ex-Muslim and radicalized extremist groups often referred to as the “Sar Tan Se Juda” gang.

First Encounter: Zeeshan Killed

On Sunday, police tracked down one of the accused, identified as Zeeshan, a resident of Amroha. Officials said he sustained two bullet injuries during an exchange of fire with the Uttar Pradesh Police. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

The encounter took place amid heightened efforts by law enforcement agencies to apprehend those involved in the attack.

Second Encounter: Gulfam Injured

In a separate encounter on Tuesday, the Crime Branch team located the second accused, identified as Gulfam, in the Indirapuram area of Ghaziabad. Police said he was shot and seriously injured during an exchange of fire and was subsequently admitted to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

According to investigators, Zeeshan and Gulfam are brothers.

Police Investigation and Official Response

The encounters were conducted under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Piyush Singh and Crime Branch in-charge Inspector Anil Rajput.

Police officials stated that the accused were identified through CCTV footage and by tracing the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime.

Following the attack, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed law enforcement authorities to take “strict action” and ensure the swift arrest of the assailants.

An FIR was initially registered on the complaint of Wastik’s son against two unidentified assailants and five others under Sections 109(1) (attempt to murder) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Subsequently, ten special police teams were formed to apprehend the accused. Raids were conducted at four locations, including two in Delhi and two in Ghaziabad.

Possible Motive Under Examination

Saleem Wastik, who runs two YouTube channels and has appeared on several television programmes, is known for posting videos critical of certain fundamentalist practices. His main channel features 179 videos and has approximately 28,400 subscribers. He uses the title “Ex-Muslim” on his platform.

Several individuals and organisations have suggested that the attack may be linked to Wastik’s identity as an ex-Muslim and his publicly expressed views. However, police have not officially confirmed any motive and stated that they are investigating all possible angles, including personal enmity and ideological differences.

The investigation remains ongoing.
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_Agency Inputs.