Overview

• Ayan alias Arbaaz was apprehended on August 13 near the Ghaziabad New Bus Stand petrol pump, ending a 13-month search by Delhi Police.
• Investigators linked him to multiple reconnaissance visits to GTB Hospital between July 9 and 13, 2024, and to carrying out in-hospital surveillance on July 14.
• Police allege he coordinated the Hashim Baba gang’s assassination plan against a Chhainu rival, which resulted in the mistaken killing of patient Riyazuddin.
• During interrogation, Ayan named an introducer called Faheem and said he joined the plot enticed by financial incentives.
• Officers report he described the group’s use of encrypted apps, phone-switching tactics to evade tracking, and he remains in custody pending formal charges.