The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force and local police are intensifying their investigation into the daylight murder of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan, who was shot dead in Shamli on Wednesday evening. CCTV footage has confirmed that the four assailants involved in the killing fled the scene towards Haryana, with police teams actively pursuing leads across state borders.
Suspects Tracked to Haryana Following Shooting
CCTV footage from multiple locations, including Shamli, Loni in Ghaziabad, Delhi, and Sonipat, has captured four men escaping on two motorcycles shortly after the shooting. Officials stated on Friday, August 28, 2026, that police teams from Shamli, Baghpat, and Meerut districts are currently operating in Haryana as part of the ongoing investigation. While the police have not officially confirmed all details, the tracking of the suspects’ escape route to Haryana is considered a significant development.
A social media post, purportedly from a member of the Gogi gang, has claimed responsibility for Balyan’s murder. Police are actively verifying the authenticity of this claim and investigating any potential links to old disputes or gang rivalries.
Details of the Attack and Victim’s Background
Ankit Balyan, a former state-level kabaddi player who had transitioned to a successful career in the Haryanvi music industry, was leaving a gym in the Kotwali area of Shamli around 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday when the attack occurred. Four assailants on two motorcycles opened fire on him at close range. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries, including to the head, and was pronounced dead at a local community health centre.
Preliminary reports suggest approximately 18 rounds were fired during the attack. Balyan, 32, was a popular figure with a significant online presence, boasting over 3.6 lakh subscribers on YouTube and nearly five lakh followers on Instagram. His music often featured themes of bravado, rivalry, and defiance, with some of his songs, such as “Bhari Court Mein Goli Marenge” (We will shoot in broad daylight), drawing attention due to their lyrics. Hours before his death, Balyan had also posted a video singing lines from another song that referenced a murder on the road.
Political and Social Ramifications
The murder has sparked widespread condemnation and protests in Shamli, with Balyan’s family and supporters demanding swift justice. The incident has also ignited a political debate, with opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, criticising the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh under the BJP-led government. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has called for a thorough investigation, including the possibility of political rivalry being a motive, and has also referred to the incident as an attack on the Jat community.
The Bhim Army founder and Nagina MP, Chandrashekhar Azad, also condemned the killing, highlighting it as a cause for concern regarding the state’s security and the perceived fearlessness of criminal elements. Political leaders have pointed to speculation that Balyan may have been preparing to contest upcoming local elections, though there has been no official confirmation linking this to the motive for his murder.
A murder case has been registered against four unidentified assailants based on a complaint filed by Balyan’s father, Satvir Singh. Investigators are examining all angles, including Balyan’s music, social media activity, and alleged associations, in their effort to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Chenab Times News Desk