A shocking twist has emerged in the story of a controversial YouTuber, Saleem Wastik, who was recently stabbed at his home in Ghaziabad. Police have now arrested him in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 13-year-old boy in Delhi nearly 31 years ago. Officials said Saleem Wastik was living under a false identity for decades. Acting on a tip-off, police traced him to the Loni area of Ghaziabad. His identity was confirmed using old records, fingerprints, and photographs.
He has now been sent to Tihar Jail after being sentenced to life imprisonment in the case involving kidnapping, extortion, and murder.
The case dates back to January 20, 1995, when Sandeep Bansal, son of a Delhi-based cement businessman, left for school but did not return. The next day, the family received a ransom call demanding Rs 30,000. The kidnappers asked the father to leave the money in a bus near the Loni flyover and warned him not to inform the police. However, the family approached police, and a case was registered at Gokulpuri Police Station.
During the probe, a neighbour reported seeing the boy with a man known as ‘Masterji’. Police tracked down Saleem Khan — now known as Saleem Wastik, who was then a martial arts instructor at Ramjas School in Daryaganj.
He later confessed to the crime and led police to a drain in Mustafabad, where the child’s body was found. His accomplice, Anil, was also arrested. Police recovered the boy’s belongings, including his school bag, tiffin box, and watch, which were used as evidence in court.
In 1997, a court in Karkardooma Court convicted both Saleem and Anil and sentenced them to life imprisonment. They challenged the verdict in the Delhi High Court. Saleem was granted interim bail in 2000 but later absconded and never returned. In 2011, the High Court upheld his life sentence, but by then, he had disappeared.
Police said Saleem declared himself dead and took on new identities such as Salim Wastik and Salim Ahmed. For years, he lived in places like Karnal and Ambala in Haryana, working as a wardrobe maker. Around 2010, he shifted to Ghaziabad’s Loni area, where he opened a women’s clothing store. Over time, he became known as a YouTuber and social activist, often posting controversial videos on religion and terrorism, according to NDTV report.
Sources said a Bollywood producer was planning a biopic on his life and had even paid him an advance. However, his arrest stopped the project.
Last month, Saleem was attacked at his home in Ghaziabad by two men. CCTV footage showed the attackers entering his house and stabbing him multiple times. During the attack, the assailants were heard saying, "You are insulting our Prophet, you are insulting our Lord".
He suffered serious injuries to his neck, abdomen, and ear and was rushed to hospital. He was later shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for treatment.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
