Fugitive YouTuber Caught After 31 Years for Murder

Delhi Police's crime branch has apprehended Salim Khan, a YouTuber who had been a fugitive for 31 years. Khan was originally convicted in 1997 for the kidnapping and murder of 13-year-old Sandeep Bansal, a crime committed in January 1995. After receiving ransom demands that were met but did not lead to the boy's return, police identified Khan, a martial arts instructor at the victim's school, as a suspect.

Khan confessed to the crime and led police to Sandeep's body. His accomplice surrendered, and both were sentenced to life imprisonment. However, in 2000, Khan obtained interim bail from the Delhi High Court and subsequently disappeared. He reportedly faked his own death and adopted new identities, eventually becoming the online personality 'Salim Wastik'.

For over two decades, he evaded capture, moving between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and working various jobs before establishing a successful YouTube channel discussing Islam and national security. This online presence, ironically, led to his recapture when police used old photographs and fingerprints to identify him. Notably, in February 2026, Khan had been the victim of an attack by assailants reportedly angered by his religious commentary.