Haryanvi Artist Ankit Balyan Shot Dead Outside Gym in Shamli

Ankit Balyan, a popular Haryanvi singer and YouTuber, was shot dead by unknown assailants on the evening of Wednesday in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred as he was exiting a gym, prompting his family and local residents to stage protests in the area, blocking the busy Delhi-Muzaffarnagar Road.

According to police reports, multiple gunmen opened fire on Balyan as he left the gym, inflicting critical injuries. Emergency services were alerted, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital but was unfortunately pronounced dead on arrival.

The police have begun an investigation into the murder, examining CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify the perpetrators and establish a motive. Senior police officials indicated that the specifics surrounding the murder would be clarified following a comprehensive investigation.

Local Superintendent of Police NP Singh stated that a thorough inquiry is underway. “Multiple teams are working to trace those responsible for this tragic incident,” he said, indicating that potential connections to local political rivalries—particularly in light of impending Panchayat elections—are being investigated.

Following the murder, Balyan's family placed his body on the road as part of the protest and insisted that no traffic would be allowed to pass until the offenders are caught. Protests have reportedly led to significant disruption in the area, with demonstrators emphasising that Balyan's last rites would only be conducted once justice is served.

Ankit Balyan had gained popularity through his vibrant Haryanvi pop music, characterised by themes including regional pride and youth culture. His works often highlighted local politics and societal issues, and he was known for collaborating with renowned artists like Masoom Sharma and Raju Punjabi.

In addition to music, Balyan engaged with audiences through political podcasts and vlogs featuring interviews with community figures and politicians across Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. His notable tracks included titles such as “112 NE,” “Jaat Jatni,” and “Modi Barga Rutba,” which conveyed messages resonating with his fan base.

This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns over safety and the influence of violence in the music and political scenes in the region. Authorities are under pressure to respond swiftly to the community's demands for justice following this high-profile case.