The Delhi Police on Monday stated that the killing of a patient inside a GTB Hospital ward may be a case of mistaken identity, as a criminal had been moved from the same ward only a day before the incident.
Family members of the deceased have also claimed that the criminal was the intended target. Multiple police teams have been formed to investigate the murder of Riyazuddin (32), who was shot dead by a teenager inside ward number 24 at GTB Hospital on Sunday, as per officials.
Following the incident, resident doctors at the hospital began an indefinite strike on Monday, raising serious concerns about their safety. Multiple crime branch teams, a team led by the SHO of GTB Enclave police station, and a team consisting of personnel from adjacent police stations are investigating the case.
“The teams are reviewing CCTV footage to determine how many individuals were involved, how many entered the hospital, what vehicle they used, the vehicle’s trail, and where they fled after the crime. We are exploring all possible angles,” a senior police officer said.
“The police will apprehend the accused very soon,” the officer added.
The victim, reportedly a dentist, had been admitted to the hospital on June 23 and was undergoing treatment for an abdominal infection, according to police. They noted that the murder might be a case of mistaken identity as a criminal from the city’s Welcome area had also been treated in ward number 24 but was moved to another ward a day before the incident.
The police confirmed that they have reviewed Riyazuddin’s records and found no criminal background.
“If this is a case of mistaken identity, we are investigating that angle and can only confirm it with the arrest of the accused. Teams have activated local sources to gather information about the accused and apprehend them promptly,” the police officer said.
Police departments in neighboring states Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have also been asked to monitor CCTV footage to catch the accused if they attempt to cross the border, the officer added.
