A routine gym session ended with the killing of a 32-year-old Haryanvi singer and YouTuber in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district.
Ankit Balyan was leaving a gym on the evening of 26 August when armed attackers allegedly opened fire on him. Police said several rounds were fired and Balyan suffered multiple bullet injuries. He was taken to a community health centre, where doctors could not save him.
But the shooting has raised questions beyond the attack itself. Who was Ankit Balyan? Why was he targeted? And who are the people the police are looking for?
Here is what we know so far.
Who Was Ankit Balyan?
Ankit Balyan was a Haryanvi singer, actor and YouTuber from Bantikheda village in Shamli.
He built his audience through Haryanvi music videos, performances, podcasts and vlogs. His YouTube channel had more than 3.66 lakh subscribers, while Hindustan Times reported that he had more than 4.4 lakh followers on Instagram.
His music often carried themes around rural identity, firearms, local pride and swagger. Some of his songs included Court Mein Goli Marenge, Goli Ke Barood, System and Riflein.
Balyan also collaborated with Haryanvi performers and used social media to expand beyond music.
He had also been involved in local public activity. In 2023, he faced an FIR after a roadshow in Shamli was allegedly organised without permission.
What About His Family?
Balyan belonged to Bantikheda village.
Local reports said his father, Satbir Singh, was a retired Army personnel who later worked in agriculture. Reports also said Balyan was married and that his wife worked as a teacher. He had two elder sisters and a younger brother.
After his killing, his family and local supporters demanded immediate arrests.
They also blocked the Delhi-Muzaffarnagar road near the site of the shooting, seeking action against those responsible.
What Happened Outside The Gym?
The shooting took place at around 6:55 pm on 26 August near the Aryapuri drain embankment in Shamli's Kotwali area.
According to ADG Meerut Bhanu Bhaskar, Balyan had completed his workout and was leaving the fitness centre when four unidentified people arrived in two vehicles and opened fire.
Police said Balyan sustained several gunshot injuries. Reports have put the number of rounds fired at around 18, while five bullets reportedly struck him.
The attackers fled after the shooting.
Police reached the scene after a call to Dial 112. Balyan was taken to a community health centre, but doctors could not save him. His body was sent for post-mortem examination.
His Last Reel Added Another Twist
Hours before the shooting, Balyan had posted an Instagram reel from his car.
In it, he sang lines from a song containing references to murder and violence and asked his followers to share them.
The timing of the reel drew attention after his death. However, there is no evidence that the reel itself caused the killing, and it should not be treated as proof of a motive.
So, Who Killed Him?
At the time of the latest reports, the attackers had not been publicly identified or arrested.
Police were examining CCTV footage from the area and analysing technical evidence to establish who carried out the attack.
Around six to seven police teams were reportedly working on different leads. One team was sent to Haryana, while other teams were investigating possible locations elsewhere. Police were also looking at possible old rivalries and personal disputes.
What Is The Alleged Motive?
This is where the case remains unclear.
A viral social-media post allegedly linked to the Gogi gang claimed responsibility for Balyan's killing. The post alleged that Balyan had created a song based on a theme similar to the killing of gangster Jitendra Gogi, who was shot dead inside Delhi's Rohini Court in 2021.
However, police have not confirmed that the post is genuine or that the alleged gang was behind the murder.
Shamli Police are examining the post and investigating whether any old dispute involving the group could be connected to the killing. The exact motive has not yet been established.
There has also been speculation that Balyan was considering contesting upcoming panchayat elections. Police were reportedly examining that possibility too, but there was no official confirmation that he was planning to contest or that politics was linked to his killing.
What Action Has Police Taken?
The police investigation is active.
CCTV footage and technical evidence are being analysed to identify the attackers. Empty cartridges were recovered from the crime scene, and teams were sent to Haryana and other areas to follow leads.
ADG Meerut Bhanu Bhaskar said investigators were pursuing multiple leads and expressed confidence that the case would be solved soon.
For now, the key facts remain clear: Ankit Balyan was shot dead outside a Shamli gym, four attackers are suspected to have carried out the shooting, and police are still working to establish their identities and the motive.
The alleged Gogi gang claim, possible political angle and other theories remain part of the investigation, not established facts.
TL;DR | News At a Glance
Who was Ankit Balyan?
A 32-year-old Haryanvi singer, actor and YouTuber from Bantikheda, Shamli.
What happened to him?
He was shot dead outside a gym in Shamli on 26 August after attackers opened fire on him.
How many attackers were involved?
Police said four unidentified people arrived in two vehicles. Reports said around 18 rounds were fired.
Who killed him?
The attackers had not been publicly identified or arrested in the latest reports.
Why was he killed?
The exact motive remains unconfirmed. Police are investigating possible rivalries, personal disputes and a viral post allegedly linked to the Gogi gang.
Has the Gogi gang been confirmed as responsible?
No. A viral post claimed responsibility, but police are still checking whether it is genuine and whether it is connected to the murder.
What are the police doing now?
Multiple teams are analysing CCTV and technical evidence and pursuing leads in Haryana and elsewhere.
