A tragic incident unfolded at GTB Hospital in Shahdara on Sunday, where a 32-year-old patient, Riyazuddin, was fatally shot inside a hospital ward. The victim’s family believes this was a case of mistaken identity, alleging that the intended target was a known history-sheeter who was admitted to the same ward.
Riyazuddin, a laborer residing in Sriram Nagar, Khajuri Khas, had been receiving treatment for an abdominal infection since June 23. The shooting occurred around 4 pm, with the suspect, an 18-year-old youth, entering ward number 24 and firing at least two shots at Riyazuddin while he was being attended to by a nurse.
According to Raisuddin, the victim’s brother, the suspect fired additional rounds as people began to gather, then locked the ward door from the outside and fled the scene. At the time of the attack, Riyazuddin’s elder sister, Taranum, was also present in the ward. Over 20 people, including patients and hospital staff, were on the fourth floor where the incident occurred.
Police were alerted to the shooting at 4:20 pm and quickly dispatched several teams and senior officers to the hospital. Faheem, Riyazuddin’s younger brother, claimed that the real target was a man named Waseem, who had been shot in June and was previously admitted to Riyazuddin’s ward. Waseem was later transferred to another ward, and the shooter may have mistakenly targeted Riyazuddin, thinking he was Waseem.
Waseem, 33, involved in 17 criminal cases, was a member of the Hashim Baba gang. He and his associate Asif were attacked near Shaitan Chowk on June 12, with multiple rounds fired, also injuring two homeless men.
Police are investigating the family’s claims of mistaken identity and other potential motives, such as gang rivalry or personal vendetta. “At GTB Enclave police station the case has been registered. We believe at least three or four individuals were involved. Two likely conducted reconnaissance and assigned the 18-year-old to carry out the shooting,” an officer stated. Authorities suspect two accomplices stood outside the ward during the attack.
The family has criticized the lack of security at the Delhi government-run hospital during the shooting. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj condemned the negligence and assured that those responsible would face consequences, with a review of security measures in all hospitals.
In response to the incident, the Residents’ Doctors Association of GTB Hospital announced an indefinite strike starting Monday, protesting the inadequate safety measures. Emergency services will remain operational during the strike.