Rival Gang Target Gone Wrong: Gunfire at GTB Hospital

The Delhi Police revealed that the actual target of the attackers at GTB Hospital was a rival of jailed gangster Hashim Baba. The shooters mistakenly killed a patient named Riyazuddin. Efforts are underway to capture the remaining suspects with two men already in custody for their roles in the plot.

Delhi Police on Tuesday disclosed that a rival of imprisoned gangster Hashim Baba was the intended target of the assailants who killed a patient at GTB Hospital two days prior.

Per a police officer, the attackers aimed to kill Waseem (33), who has multiple criminal charges and had previously threatened the incarcerated gang leader over their rivalry.

Faheem, a close associate of Hashim Baba, orchestrated the plan, training other suspects on how to infiltrate and exit the hospital.

The suspects, allegedly members of Hashim Baba's gang, entered the hospital on Sunday and mistakenly murdered 32-year-old Riyazuddin, according to the police.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary indicated that extensive raids are happening across Delhi to capture the culprits.

''We have detained two men thus far, but five remain at large. Teams have executed raids in multiple areas, including Loni, Okhala, Babarpur, and Chauhan Banger,'' Choudhary said.

Police on Monday apprehended Faiz (20) from Loni and Farhan from Delhi's Chauhan Banger area, but stated they only provided logistic support and did not fire the shots.

''The attackers intended to kill a rival gangster of the Hashim Baba gang, who was also attacked in June,'' stated the DCP.

An officer revealed that Waseem, out on bail, had threatened Hashim Baba months ago.

Faheem then devised the murder scheme, summoning the suspects to his Babarpur flat.

Investigations identified Waseem as a notorious figure in Shastri Park, in the process of forming his own gang.

On Sunday, one assailant entered Ward 24 and fatally shot Riyazuddin.

Waseem was receiving treatment in the opposite bed in the same ward.

''Multiple teams are tirelessly working to apprehend the suspects, and we have significant leads. One shooter is suspected to be a juvenile,'' DCP Choudhary confirmed.

Faheem instructed the suspects on hospital access routes and provided maps for entry and exit. The shooters also reconnoitered the hospital before the act, according to the DCP.

Hashim Baba, with a history of 16 criminal cases, including murder and dacoity, has been jailed since his arrest in 2019 under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), the police dossier states.

(With inputs from agencies.)