Suspect in YouTuber Saleem Wastik stabbing killed in UP encounter; 2 cops injured
Times of India
by AVISHEK KUMARMarch 2, 2026
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A 24-year-old man suspected in the brutal stabbing of YouTuber Saleem Wastik was killed in an encounter with police in Uttar Pradesh. The suspect, identified as Zeeshan, had been offered a reward of ₹1 lakh for his capture after attacking Wastik, leaving him critically injured. Police launched a massive operation following the attack, identifying Zeeshan through surveillance and CCTV footage. In a late-night chase Sunday, Zeeshan opened fire on pursuing officers, leading to a shootout where he was fatally wounded. Two cops were injured during the encounter.
Following the stabbing in Loni, police formed multiple teams and reviewed over 200 CCTV cameras to track down Zeeshan. The reward for his arrest initially stood at ₹25,000 but was increased to ₹1 lakh after public pressure. A tip-off led police to surround Zeeshan near Loni Sunday evening. When he refused to stop, a shootout ensued, resulting in Zeeshan’s death and injuries to two constables.
Saleem Wastik, known for his YouTube channel criticizing fundamentalist practices, remains in critical condition in Delhi's GTB Hospital after being stabbed multiple times in the abdomen and throat. His son Usman revealed that doctors
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/2/2026