Critical Condition for Religious Commentator Following Targeted Stabbing in Ghaziabad

The severity of the attack was discovered by neighbors, who found Wastik in a state of physical distress before alerting his family. He was immediately rushed to GTB Hospital in Delhi, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains under intensive care in the ICU. The nature of the assault, characterized by its precision and timing, suggests a premeditated attempt on his life. Wastik has built a substantial online following by challenging specific Islamic practices, including halala, and offering controversial interpretations of Quranic verses, a history of commentary that police are now scrutinizing as a potential motive for the violence.

In the immediate aftermath of the stabbing, the Ghaziabad police initiated a high-priority investigation, filing a formal First Information Report (FIR) for attempted murder. Law enforcement officials have officially named seven suspects in the case, among whom is local AIMIM leader Azgar Ali. While the police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity of the Loni office to identify the two physical assailants, no arrests have been made as of yet. The administrative response remains focused on gathering forensic evidence and tracking the movements of the named suspects to determine if the attack was part of a larger conspiracy.

The incident has resonated across the political and social landscape, drawing reactions from high-profile figures such as Nupur Sharma and Tehseen Poonawalla, both of whom have highlighted the gravity of the situation. As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a grim reminder of the volatility surrounding religious discourse in the digital age. The outcome of the police probe will be closely watched, not only for the delivery of justice in Wastik’s case but as a barometer for the protection of individuals who engage in public religious commentary within the region.