Ghaziabad Businessman and YouTuber Stabbed in Office Attack
In a shocking incident in Ghaziabad, a 55-year-old businessman and social media content creator, Saleem Wastik, was brutally stabbed at his office in Loni, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. More than 24 hours after the attack, which occurred around 6 am on Friday, the police have yet to make any arrests, intensifying the urgency of the investigation.
Police Investigation and FIR Details
DCP (rural) Surendranath Tiwari confirmed on Saturday that an FIR has been registered against two unidentified assailants for the attack on Saleem Wastik and five others. The complaint was filed by Wastik's son under sections 109(1) (attempt to murder) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police are examining various possible motives, including personal enmity and ideological differences, with Tiwari stating, "The motive will become clear only after the accused are arrested."
Suspects and Police Efforts
Wastik's son named five suspects in his complaint: Azgar Ali, believed to be a functionary of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), along with Asfaq, Sonu, Shahrukh, and Bhati. In response, police have formed seven teams and reviewed footage from over 150 CCTV cameras to identify the attackers. Tiwari reported, "We have some leads and we hope to solve the case soon." Raids have been conducted at two locations in Delhi and two in Ghaziabad, yielding important clues that are guiding further action.
Details of the Attack and Victim's Condition
The attackers arrived on a bike, parked outside Wastik's office, and asked nearby children to leave before entering. They assaulted him and stabbed him multiple times in the abdomen and near the throat, fleeing as family members rushed to the scene. Wastik was initially taken to a nearby private hospital and later referred to GTB Hospital in Delhi, where he remains in critical condition in the ICU. His son, Usman, expressed concern, saying, "Doctors are concerned about the throat injury." Wastik's statement has not yet been recorded due to his critical state.
Possible Motives and Political Attention
Saleem Wastik was known for posting videos on social media that questioned fundamentalist practices, leading his son to suspect that some individuals were unhappy with his views and could be behind the attack. Usman told TOI, "The exact reason behind the attack can only be revealed by my father. I suspect the five persons against whom I've filed a complaint of orchestrating the attack on him." Sources in Lucknow indicated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognizance of the incident, directing police to ensure speedy arrests and an impartial investigation.
Broader Context and Implications
This attack highlights growing concerns over violence linked to ideological differences and personal disputes in the region. The involvement of a political functionary as a suspect adds a layer of complexity to the case, prompting heightened scrutiny from authorities. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers, with police emphasizing their commitment to resolving the matter swiftly and transparently.
