GTB Hospital shooting: Hashim Baba gang member in police net

A 23-year-old youth, linked to the Hashim Baba gang, who was absconding for more than a year in a shootout at GTB Hospital resulting in the death of a patient in a case of mistaken identity, was arrested on Wednesday, the police said. The accused, identified as Ayan, alias Baba, was arrested from near the new bus stand petrol pump in Ghaziabad.

He was absconding since July 14, 2024, after Riyazuddin (35) was gunned down in broad daylight in ward number 24 on the fourth floor of GTB Hospital in Shahdara.

Ayan’s role was to conduct recce of the hospital between July 9 and 13 last year, track the movement of the target and coordinate with the shooters on the day of the attack, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam.

The attackers, who were alleged members of the Hashim Baba gang, planned to kill a person named Waseem from the rival Chhainu gang to avenge an earlier assault on their member, the DCP added.

Waseem, who escaped a previous attack, was undergoing treatment at the same hospital, he said.

In a case of mistaken identity, the shooters targeted Riyazuddin, who had no link to any gang.

Ten persons involved in the conspiracy were arrested soon after the incident, but Ayan managed to escape, Gautam added.

During interrogation, Ayan revealed that he was introduced to the Hashim Baba gang by Faheem, alias Badshah, and joined the plot in exchange for money.