Ghaziabad Encounter: Second YouTuber Attack Suspect Killed in Police Shootout Within 48 Hours
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh — A second suspect involved in the brutal attack on a YouTuber in Ghaziabad was killed in a police encounter, just 48 hours after his brother — the first accused — died in a similar operation. The back-to-back encounters have brought a dramatic development in the high-profile case that shocked residents of the Delhi-NCR region and sparked intense debate about law enforcement tactics.
According to police, the accused, identified as Ghulfam, was killed during an exchange of fire with a police team in the Indirapuram area of Ghaziabad on Wednesday. Authorities said the Crime Branch and SWAT team had received information that he was planning to enter the city along with an accomplice. Acting on the tip-off, police set up a trap and attempted to intercept the suspects.
Encounter Details
Officials said Ghulfam allegedly opened fire on the police team while trying to escape, forcing officers to retaliate. The police fired back, and he was seriously injured in the encounter. He was later taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. During the operation, police also recovered weapons and other items from the spot.
The encounter took place only two days after Ghulfam’s brother, Zeeshan, another accused in the case, was killed during a similar police operation in the Loni area of Ghaziabad. Zeeshan had also been injured in an exchange of fire with police before being taken to a hospital, where he died during treatment.
The Original Crime
Both brothers were accused of carrying out a violent attack on YouTuber and businessman Saleem Ahmed, popularly known as Saleem Wastik. The incident occurred on February 27 at the victim’s office in the Loni area. According to investigators, the attackers entered the office and stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Police said the victim sustained serious injuries during the attack and was rushed to hospital, where he continues to receive treatment. The shocking nature of the assault triggered widespread outrage and prompted authorities to launch a large-scale manhunt to trace the suspects.
Investigation and Manhunt
Investigators identified Zeeshan and Ghulfam as the main suspects using CCTV footage and other evidence. Police said the two brothers had allegedly arrived on a motorcycle and carried out the attack together before escaping. Authorities later announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to their arrest.
Officials revealed that both suspects were originally from Amroha district and worked as carpenters. They had been living in the Ghaziabad region and reportedly did not have any major criminal records before the incident.
Motive Under Investigation
During the investigation, police also began examining the suspects’ social media activity to understand the motive behind the attack. According to investigators, some of their online content included strong views on religious and political issues, and authorities are exploring whether ideological differences may have played a role in the crime.
Police officials said the accused had allegedly targeted the YouTuber because he frequently posted videos criticising certain religious practices and social issues on social media. However, investigators are still examining multiple angles, including personal rivalry and possible influence from online radical content.
Police Justify Action
The encounters have drawn attention due to the speed with which both accused were neutralised. Senior police officers said the operations were conducted after the suspects fired at the police teams and tried to flee, forcing officers to respond in self-defence.
With both main suspects now dead, investigators are focusing on uncovering the complete background of the attack, including whether any other individuals were involved. Police have seized the accused’s mobile phones and digital devices and are analysing them for additional clues.
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Conclusion
Authorities say the investigation will continue until all aspects of the case are fully examined. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the area to prevent any tension following the incidents.
Two brothers accused of YouTuber murder killed in separate encounters within 48 hours. Ghaziabad police close high-profile case.
