Ankit Balyan, a rising Haryanvi singer and YouTuber, was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a gym in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening, police said. The attack took place within the jurisdiction of the Shamli Kotwali police station, officials added.
Sequence of events and police response
According to police, the gunmen opened fire as Balyan walked out of the gym. He sustained critical bullet wounds and collapsed on the spot. Emergency responders took him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Senior officers said they reached the scene after receiving information about firing and have begun examining footage from CCTV cameras located near the gym to identify the attackers and reconstruct the incident. Investigators are treating motive as unclear and have said they will determine it after a detailed probe.
Background: profile and recent activities
Hailing from Bantikhera, Ankit Balyan had built a considerable following through Haryanvi pop songs, online videos and podcasts. He was associated with tracks that emphasised local themes and had earlier made headlines in 2023 over a roadshow in Shamli.
Reports say Balyan collaborated with established Haryanvi artists including Masoom Sharma, Raju Punjabi and Aashu Twinkle. One of his better-known songs was titled "Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan", and he also produced content featuring strong, on-screen personas and regional narratives.
Local media reported that Balyan had been preparing to contest the forthcoming District Panchayat elections, a development that adds a political dimension to the case that investigators will consider as they probe possible motives.
Post on social media and public reaction
Media accounts noted that Balyan had posted a video on Instagram roughly two hours before the attack. The content of that post has been widely circulated on social platforms.
"Murder maar de sadak ke upar"
News of the shooting sparked alarm in the area, with residents and visitors gathering near the scene in the immediate aftermath. Police presence was stepped up and officers said they were questioning witnesses and reviewing mobile and camera footage as part of standard procedure.
- Location: Outside a gym within Shamli Kotwali jurisdiction, Shamli district.
- Victim: Ankit Balyan, singer and YouTuber from Bantikhera.
- Immediate action: Victim taken to hospital; declared dead on arrival. CCTV being examined.
- Motive: Not yet established; investigation under way.
What authorities are doing
Police sources said teams have been formed to trace the assailants and are scanning CCTV networks in the area. Officers will also examine Balyan's recent movements, communications and social media activity, along with statements from eyewitnesses and gym staff, to develop leads.
Senior police personnel cautioned that it would be premature to draw conclusions until forensic analysis, witness interviews and technical examinations are completed. They said any link to Balyan's public profile, collaborations or reported political plans would be evaluated as the probe progresses.
Local implications
The killing of a public figure who actively used social platforms and had a local following is likely to raise concerns about law and order among residents and performers in the region. Investigators are aware of the potential for the incident to inflame tensions and have indicated they will work to prevent any escalation while pursuing the case.
| Event | Known facts |
|---|---|
| Social media post | Video shared on Instagram about two hours before the shooting |
| Shooting | Gunmen fired as Balyan left a gym; he collapsed with bullet injuries |
| Hospital | Declared dead on arrival |
| Investigation | CCTV footage seized; motive to be determined after probe |
Police have appealed for anyone with information, including additional footage or eyewitness accounts, to come forward. The case remains under active investigation and will be transferred to specialised units if required, officials said.
The killing adds to a catalogue of incidents that prompt scrutiny of public safety for entertainers and online content creators in the region. Authorities said they would share further details as enquiries progress and forensic reports are completed.
