Ankit Balyan shot dead outside gym in Uttar Pradesh, police examine CCTV to identify attackers

Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan was killed in a shooting outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli on Wednesday evening, with police now working to identify the assailants and establish the motive behind the attack. Balyan was leaving the gym in the Shamli Kotwali area when three to four men allegedly opened fire, leaving him critically injured.

The singer was taken to a nearby hospital after the firing was reported, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Shamli SP NP Singh told ANI that a Dial 112 call had alerted police to the incident and said teams had been deployed as part of the investigation.

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Police examine CCTV footage

Police have begun examining CCTV recordings from around the crime scene in an effort to establish how the attack unfolded and identify those responsible. Officials have also said that the exact motive will become clear only after the investigation progresses.

The killing has caused concern in the area, while Balyan’s fans and local residents have reacted to his death. Police teams are continuing efforts to gather evidence and trace the attackers.

Singer gained popularity through Haryanvi music

Balyan, who belonged to Bantikhera, had built a following through Haryanvi music and social media. He became widely known for the song “Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan” and drew attention in 2023 after a roadshow in Shamli. Reports also said he was preparing to enter electoral politics and was working towards contesting the upcoming District Panchayat elections.

His online work extended beyond music videos. Balyan produced and appeared in Haryanvi pop content, podcasts and local vlogs, with much of his material centred on regional identity, rural themes, local politics and youth culture.

From music videos to political podcasts

As a creator, Balyan worked as both performer and producer and collaborated with Haryanvi singers including Masoom Sharma, Raju Punjabi and Aashu Twinkle. His digital work later expanded into political podcasts and ground-level vlogging, where he featured local politicians and community figures from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

His popular tracks included “Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan”, “112 NE”, “Goli Ke Barood”, “Jaat Jatni”, “Agla Janam Jaat”, “Savidhan”, “Modi Barga Rutba”, “Jaat Dharmender Ki Tariya”, “Ek Khtola Jail Ke Bhitar”, “Wait”, “System” and “Riflein”.

2023 roadshow had drawn attention

Balyan had previously attracted attention in Shamli in 2023 when a convoy associated with him moved through the city as part of a roadshow. Reports at the time said vehicles in the procession used a hooter and some participants were seen performing stunts, prompting police to say they would examine CCTV footage and take action under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The latest shooting has now put the spotlight back on the singer’s public profile as investigators work to determine who carried out the attack and why.