SHAMLI, UTTAR PRADESH: Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan was shot dead outside a gym in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening, August 26. The shocking killing, captured in CCTV footage, has triggered widespread grief and anger, while police continue to investigate the identities and motive of the attackers.
According to police and CCTV-based reports, Balyan had stepped out of the gym at around 6:45 pm carrying his kit bag and was walking towards his car when four armed men approached him on two motorcycles. The attackers opened fire, with the shooting lasting approximately 25 seconds. Reports differ on the precise number of rounds fired, with figures ranging from 12 to 18.
Balyan sustained multiple bullet injuries and was taken for medical treatment, but he was declared dead. Police have registered a murder case against unidentified assailants and have formed several teams to trace and arrest those responsible. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and other evidence, with reports suggesting that the suspects may have fled towards Haryana.
Who was Ankit Balyan?
Balyan, who was reported to be 32–35 years old in different reports, was a recognised name in the Haryanvi music and digital-content space. He hailed from Bantikhera village in Shamli district and had built a substantial following through his songs, performances and YouTube content. Reports say he had more than 3.6 lakh YouTube subscribers.
His popular songs included “Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan,” “System,” “Jaat Jatni” and “Riflein.” His music often drew on rural culture and themes of power, rivalry and bravado, attracting millions of views online.
Before entering the music industry, Balyan had reportedly been involved in kabaddi. He was also active in public life and had reportedly been preparing to contest the upcoming district panchayat elections.
His final social-media post
One of the most unsettling aspects of the case is Balyan’s final Instagram video.
Shortly before his death, he posted a Reel promoting his song “Baby Badmash.” In the video, he sang a line referring to a murder taking place on the road. Reports say the post was made roughly one to two hours before he was killed.
The coincidence has attracted enormous attention online. However, investigators have not established that the post was a warning, prediction or indication that Balyan knew he was going to be attacked. Police are examining whether the song or any other circumstances surrounding it have relevance to the murder investigation.
Gogi gang claim under investigation
A social-media post claiming responsibility for Balyan’s murder has surfaced in the name of the Gogi gang. The post alleged that Balyan had connections with rival elements and referred to one of his songs.
Police are investigating the authenticity of the account and the claim. A gang connection or motive has not yet been conclusively established by investigators.
Police are also looking into possible personal disputes, professional connections and other potential motives. At this stage, it would be premature to state that the killing was definitively a gang-war murder.
Family demands justice
The killing has left Balyan’s family and supporters demanding immediate action.
His family has called for the arrest of the assailants, while his wife has publicly appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for justice and swift arrests. The family has also expressed deep frustration over the delay in identifying the killers.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association has also called for justice following the singer’s killing.
Investigation continues
Police teams are currently working to identify the four suspected shooters. CCTV footage from the area and possible escape routes is being examined, while authorities are coordinating with agencies in neighbouring states.
The central questions remain: Who ordered the killing? Why was Ankit Balyan targeted? And was the murder connected to gang rivalry, a personal dispute, his music or his reported political ambitions?
For now, those questions remain unanswered.
The case at a glance
- Victim: Ankit Balyan, Haryanvi singer and YouTuber
- Location: Shamli, Uttar Pradesh
- Date: August 26, 2026
- Attackers: Four suspected assailants
- Method: Gunfire outside a gym
- CCTV: Attack captured on camera, lasting about 25 seconds
- Shots: Reports cite 12–18 rounds
- Gang claim: A social-media post claiming Gogi gang responsibility is being verified
- Motive: Not conclusively established
- Investigation: Ongoing
This is a developing story. Details may change as police establish the identities of the suspects and determine the motive.
