One of the men accused of stabbing ex-Muslim YouTuber Saleem Wastik in Loni, Ghaziabad, has been killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Police. Officials said the accused, identified as Zeeshan, died after sustaining bullet injuries during an exchange of fire with the police on Sunday. Meanwhile, Wastik remains admitted to the hospital and his condition is said to be critical.

The incident began on Friday morning when two men allegedly entered Wastik’s house in Ashok Vihar Colony under the Loni Police Station limits in Ghaziabad. According to police, the attackers arrived on a motorcycle and were wearing helmets. They barged into the house and stabbed Wastik multiple times in the neck and abdomen. After carrying out the attack, they fled the scene without removing their helmets.

Locals gathered outside the house after hearing the commotion and immediately informed the police. Wastik was first taken to a nearby hospital. However, as his condition worsened, he was referred to GTB Hospital in Delhi. Hospital sources earlier described his condition as extremely serious.

Following the attack, the Uttar Pradesh Police launched a manhunt to trace the accused. An FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by Wastik’s son, Usman, against seven named individuals. The police formed 10 special teams to track down those involved in the attack. As part of the investigation, raids were conducted at four locations, including two places in Delhi and two in Ghaziabad.

On Sunday, during the search operation, one of the accused, Zeeshan, was traced by the police. According to officials, an exchange of fire took place between Zeeshan and the police team. During the encounter, Zeeshan sustained two bullet injuries. He was immediately taken to the hospital in critical condition. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said that Zeeshan was a resident of Amroha. Officials confirmed that he was one of the two men involved in the stabbing incident. The search for the other accused is still ongoing.

The encounter came days after the brutal attack on Wastik at his residence. Wastik is known for publicly expressing critical views on Islam and identifies himself as an ex-Muslim. He runs two YouTube channels and has appeared on multiple television programmes. His main YouTube channel has around 28,400 subscribers and hosts 179 videos. He uses the title “Ex-Muslim” on his platform.

After the attack, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the police to take strict action against those responsible. He instructed officials to ensure that the assailants are arrested at the earliest. According to officials, the Chief Minister directed the police to take “strict action” and ensure the attackers are caught quickly.

Several individuals and organisations have linked the attack to Wastik’s identity as an ex-Muslim and his publicly expressed views. However, the police have not officially confirmed the motive behind the attack. Officials have not made any statement regarding the reason for the assault.

The attack has drawn attention due to the nature of the crime and Wastik’s public profile as a social media influencer. Police officials have maintained that the investigation is ongoing and that efforts are being made to arrest the remaining accused persons.

As of now, Wastik continues to receive treatment at GTB Hospital in Delhi. His condition remains critical. Police teams are continuing their search operations in connection with the case.

The authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved in the crime. The case remains under investigation, and further details are awaited as police continue their efforts to complete the probe and apprehend the remaining suspects.