Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan, 32, was shot dead outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district on Wednesday evening, in a shocking attack that has left the local community stunned. Police said a group of armed men opened fire on Balyan shortly after he finished his workout.
The incident took place at around 6:55 pm near the Aryapuri drain embankment. According to police, Balyan was walking towards his SUV after leaving the gym when the attackers approached him and opened fire.
Police said the assailants then forced open the door of his vehicle and continued shooting before escaping from the spot on motorcycles.
Ankit Balyan hit by multiple bullets
According to ADG Meerut Bhanu Bhaskar, the attackers fired at Balyan multiple times.
“The victim was a singer named Ankit Baliyan… He was a well-known singer with many videos on YouTube. He had been working out at a fitness gym; as he stepped out–around 6:55 PM–four unidentified individuals arrived in two vehicles and opened fire. He sustained gunshot injuries. Although police personnel were present and immediately rushed him to the Community Health Centre (CHC), the doctors were unable to save him,” Bhaskar told ANI.
Police said around 18 rounds were fired, with five bullets hitting Balyan. Despite being rushed to a nearby Community Health Centre, doctors could not save him.
Attackers allegedly waited outside gym
Investigators believe the shooting may have been planned, as eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers were already waiting near the gym for Balyan to come outside.
The gunmen reportedly targeted him as he approached his SUV and fled immediately after the shooting.
Police teams are now examining CCTV footage and gathering information from people who were present in the area to identify the attackers and establish how they tracked Balyan.
Gogi Gang’s alleged claim adds another twist
The investigation took another turn after a social media post allegedly linked to the Gogi Gang claimed responsibility for the killing.
Police have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the post. Shamli Police are examining the claim and trying to determine whether the gang actually had any involvement in the murder.
According to the alleged post, Balyan had earlier released a song connected to the killing of gangster Jitendra Gogi, who was shot dead inside Delhi’s Rohini Court.
Shamli SP N.P. Singh said investigators are checking the social media claim and are also looking into whether Balyan had any previous dispute with anyone.
Panchayat election angle also under scanner
Another possible angle being examined by police is local political activity.
Investigators are looking into reports that Balyan was considering contesting the upcoming panchayat elections in the region. Police are checking whether his possible political ambitions had anything to do with the attack.
At this stage, however, police have not established a confirmed motive.
Who was Ankit Balyan?
Balyan was known as a Haryanvi singer and YouTuber and had built a following through his music and online videos. His sudden death has shocked people familiar with his work and the local community.
Police are now investigating several possible motives, including an old dispute, the alleged Gogi Gang connection and the possible panchayat election angle.
The priority for investigators is to identify the four attackers, establish who planned the shooting and determine why Ankit Balyan was targeted.
