Famous social activist, YouTuber Salim Wastik arrested in 31-year-old kidnapping and murder case

A 31-year-old kidnapping and murder case resurfaces as Delhi Police arrest YouTuber Salim Wastik, who had been living under a false identity after jumping bail in a 1995 conviction.

YouTuber Salim Wastik Arrested (Img: Internet)

New Delhi: Salim Wastik, a social activist and YouTuber, has been arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with a 1995 kidnapping and murder case. The 54-year-old, also known as Salim Ahmed and Salim Khan, was apprehended from Loni following sustained surveillance by the Crime Branch.

The 1995 Kidnap and Murder Case

The case dates back to January 20, 1995, when 13-year-old Sandeep Bansal went missing from northeast Delhi. The family later received ransom calls demanding Rs 30,000. Investigators alleged that the boy was abducted and later murdered.

Police suspicion fell on Wastik, then a martial arts instructor at a school attended by the victim. Based on leads, authorities recovered the boy’s body from a drain in Mustafabad. A co-accused, identified as Anil, was also linked to the crime.

Conviction and Bail Jump

Both accused were convicted in 1997 and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, Wastik was granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court in 2000 but failed to surrender, effectively becoming a fugitive. His conviction was later upheld in 2011.

Living Under a False Identity

According to police, Wastik changed identities multiple times and moved across states including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. He eventually settled in Loni, where he ran small businesses while evading arrest. His identity was confirmed through fingerprint verification and old records.

Investigation and Recent Developments

The arrest followed a tip-off, leading to a coordinated operation by the Crime Branch. During interrogation, Wastik reportedly admitted to absconding after bail and living under assumed identities. Officials are also examining claims related to a proposed biographical film project linked to him.

Public Profile and Controversies

In recent years, Wastik gained attention for his online presence and controversial statements on national issues, including terrorism. He had also survived a violent attack earlier this year in Ghaziabad, in which two suspects were later killed in police encounters.

Following his arrest, Wastik has been sent to judicial custody and lodged in Tihar Jail. Police have confirmed that further investigation into the case is ongoing.