A shocking murder in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district has left the local music community and residents in shock. Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan was shot dead outside a gym in the Aryapuri Nala Patri area of Shamli on Wednesday evening.
According to the initial information, Baliyan had gone to the gym for his regular workout. After coming out, he was heading towards his vehicle when armed attackers opened fire on him. Police received information about the incident and reached the spot soon afterwards.
Attack Took Place Shortly After He Left the Gym
The incident took place in the evening when Baliyan was returning to his vehicle after finishing his workout. Reports said that several attackers were waiting near the area and suddenly opened fire as the singer came out of the gym.
Some reports have identified four attackers, while other accounts have referred to four to five assailants. The attackers fled from the spot after the shooting. Police teams are now working to establish their identities and determine how they reached and escaped from the area.
Multiple Rounds Fired
The scale of the shooting has made the incident particularly serious. Initial reports said Baliyan was hit by around 14 bullets. Other reports, based on eyewitness accounts and the scene of the crime, have mentioned a larger number of rounds being fired, including reports of 18 and more than 20 rounds.
Because the investigation is still underway, the exact number of rounds fired should be treated as subject to official confirmation. What is clear from the reports is that the attackers fired repeatedly at close range before escaping.
Baliyan Died After the Shooting
The attack left the singer critically injured. He was taken for medical treatment, but doctors could not save him. Reports said that he suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and abdomen.
The news of his death quickly spread through Shamli and the Haryanvi entertainment community, where Baliyan had built a following through his songs and videos.
Who Was Ankit Baliyan?
Ankit Baliyan was originally from Bantikhhera village in Shamli district. He later lived in Haryana and worked as a singer and actor in the Haryanvi entertainment industry.
He was known for his Haryanvi songs and music videos and had developed a presence on social media through his work. His sudden death has therefore attracted considerable attention among his followers and people associated with the regional music industry.
Police Begin Investigation
Following the shooting, police teams reached the scene and began collecting evidence. CCTV footage from the surrounding area is also being examined to establish the movements of the attackers before and after the crime.
Investigators are also looking into Baliyan's recent activities, personal connections and any possible dispute that could provide a clue to the motive behind the killing.
At this stage, police have not publicly established a confirmed motive for the murder.
Family and Supporters Demand Arrest
The killing triggered anger among Baliyan's family members, supporters and local residents. Following the incident, people gathered in the area and raised demands for the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Reports said that the deceased's body was brought back after the initial hospital proceedings and local people blocked the road while demanding action against the accused. Police and administrative officials attempted to bring the situation under control.
Gang's Name Surfaces in Social Media Claim
A separate development emerged on Thursday when a social media post circulated claiming that the Gogi gang had taken responsibility for the killing.
However, the authenticity of the post and the claim have not yet been independently established by investigators. Police are examining the claim as part of the wider investigation and are also looking into possible links to an old rivalry.
Until investigators officially establish the source and credibility of the post, the gang's alleged involvement should not be treated as a confirmed fact.
Investigation Continues
The murder has raised concerns about security in the area because the shooting took place in a public place and at a time when people were present nearby.
Police are now trying to identify the attackers, establish their route of escape and determine whether the murder was planned in advance. CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts and other evidence collected from the area are expected to play an important role in the investigation.
Political and Social Angle Also Being Examined
Reports have also mentioned that Baliyan had been preparing to enter local politics and was considering contesting the upcoming district panchayat elections. Investigators will need to establish whether this had any connection with the attack or whether the murder was linked to a completely different dispute.
At present, there is no confirmed evidence publicly establishing a political motive.
Shamli Residents Demand Quick Action
The incident has caused anger in Shamli, with residents and Baliyan's supporters demanding that the accused be arrested quickly.
For the police, the immediate challenge is to identify the shooters and determine who planned the attack. The investigation is continuing and further details are expected as evidence is examined.
Conclusion
Haryanvi singer Ankit Baliyan was shot dead outside a gym in Shamli on Wednesday evening after several armed attackers opened fire on him as he was heading towards his vehicle.
Initial reports have said that around 14 bullets hit the singer, while other reports have described a much larger number of rounds being fired. The exact figure remains subject to investigation.
Police have launched an investigation, examined CCTV footage and formed teams to track down the attackers. A social media claim regarding the involvement of the Gogi gang has also surfaced, but its authenticity is still being investigated.
With the motive yet to be officially established, investigators are examining multiple possible angles in the case. Meanwhile, Baliyan's family and supporters are demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for his killing.