20 Rounds Fired, Haryanvi Singer Ankit Baliyan Shot Dead Outside Shamli Gym; Gogi Gang Claims Responsibility
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Popular Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli on Wednesday evening, with the Gogi gang later claiming responsibility for the killing in a social media post.
The 35-year-old singer was reportedly fired upon around 7 pm after leaving the gym. Police said three to four attackers opened fire when Baliyan was around 20-25 metres from the gym and close to his car. Around 20 rounds were allegedly fired, leaving him with multiple bullet injuries, including a gunshot wound to the head.
The assailants fled after the attack. The motive behind the killing is yet to be established, police said.
Gogi Gang Claims Responsibility
The Gogi gang claimed responsibility for Baliyan's killing, alleging that the singer had been in contact with its rivals and had composed a song about an incident involving the gang.
A post from an Instagram account purportedly belonging to Bholu Shahpuria, said to be associated with the gang, warned, “This is just the beginning, everyone’s turn will come.”
The post also allegedly threatened the Uttar Pradesh Police and warned of further incidents. Police have not publicly confirmed the authenticity of the account or independently verified the gang's claim.
Singer Was Known For ‘Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan’
Baliyan was known for the popular Haryanvi song Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan, whose title translates roughly to “We’ll shoot you in court, my love”.
The killing has drawn attention because of the violent imagery associated with the song, which was among the singer's better-known releases.
His digital presence centred on hyper-local Haryanvi pop music, podcasts and videos featuring themes of regional pride, Desi identity, rural life and youth culture. Several of his songs and videos also drew on themes of local politics, law-and-order imagery, bravado and gun culture.
Police Probe Rivalry, Panchayat Election Angle
Police are investigating several possible motives behind the shooting, including an old rivalry and a possible connection with the upcoming Panchayat elections.
Baliyan was a native of Bantikhera village in Shamli and had spent the past few years living in Rohtak and Sonipat while pursuing his career in singing and acting.
He regularly visited the gym in Shamli and had reportedly been working out there for around a year.
Family Blocks Delhi-Muzaffarnagar Road
The murder triggered protests by Baliyan's family members and local residents.
They placed his body on the road and blocked the Delhi-Muzaffarnagar Road, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing.
Protesters said they would not move from the site until the accused were arrested and that the singer's last rites would be performed only after action was taken against the attackers.
Police are continuing their investigation and working to identify and trace the assailants.
