Two suspected shooters wanted in connection with the murder of Haryanvi singer and actor Ankit Baliyan were killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Police and the UP Special Task Force (STF) in Shamli on Monday.
The development drew a strong reaction from Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who said those allegedly involved in the killing had faced the consequences of their actions.
Reacting to the encounter, Pathak said: “The ruthless killers of the renowned singer Ankit Baliyan have been gunned down by the police in an encounter today. The police will give a befitting response to anyone who attacks them. The state’s law and order situation is excellent today, precisely because the morale of criminals has been completely shattered.”
The Deputy Chief Minister also said people across the state were deeply shocked by the manner in which Baliyan was allegedly killed.
He added that the suspected killers had “paid the price for their actions.”
Two Suspected Shooters Killed in Shamli
According to police, the encounter took place near an Indian Gas godown on Kairana Road in Shamli.
The two suspects were identified as 24-year-old Sumit and 22-year-old Mohit. Police had announced a reward of Rs 50,000 each for information leading to their arrest.
The encounter was carried out jointly by the Uttar Pradesh Police and the UP STF as part of the investigation into Baliyan’s murder.
Six Suspects Under Scanner
Investigators have so far identified six people allegedly linked to the murder case.
Police believe four of them were involved as shooters, while the remaining two allegedly carried out reconnaissance before the attack.
According to investigators, the two reconnaissance suspects helped identify Baliyan’s location and provided information to those who later allegedly carried out the killing.
The latest encounter comes as police continue efforts to trace the remaining suspects connected to the case.
Brajesh Pathak Defends Police Action
Pathak used the encounter to highlight the Uttar Pradesh government’s law-and-order approach, saying that the police would respond strongly to attacks on people.
His comments came amid continuing attention on the investigation into Baliyan’s murder and the action being taken against those suspected of involvement.
The killing of the singer had triggered concern among his fans and the entertainment community, while the subsequent police operation has now brought the case into sharper focus.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the alleged roles of all six suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the murder.
