Haryanvi Singer Ankit Baliyan Shot Dead

Haryanvi singer Ankit Baliyan, 32, was shot dead outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli on Wednesday evening. The murder bears similarities to the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

CCTV footage from the scene has surfaced, showing the exact moments of the attack. The footage shows suspected attackers arriving near the gym on motorcycles before approaching the singer. In another visual, four men can be seen moving towards Baliyan on foot, with bags slung over the shoulders of one or two of them.

According to preliminary information, the attackers allegedly fired around 18 rounds as Baliyan stepped out of the gym. He was reportedly hit five times, including in the head and abdomen.

The Haryana-based Gogi gang has reportedly claimed responsibility for the murder. A person identified as Bholu Shahpuriya of Sonipat, who allegedly has links to the gang, shared a post on Instagram claiming that he was responsible for Baliyan's killing. The post alleged that the singer had supported the gang's rivals and had released a song about an incident involving their associate Gogi.

Police have begun investigating the social media post to establish its authenticity and determine whether the gang was involved in the killing. Baliyan had gained popularity in the Haryanvi music scene with songs including 'Bhari Court Mein Goli Marenge Meri Jaan.' He was born in Shamli and had also courted controversy in 2023 over a roadshow held in the district.

According to reports, Baliyan had recently been preparing to contest the upcoming district panchayat elections in Shamli. The killing has drawn comparisons with the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot dead on May 29, 2022, in Jawaharke village in Punjab's Mansa district. Moosewala was attacked by armed assailants in a targeted shooting.

The Shamli police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Baliyan's killing, examining CCTV footage and the alleged social media claim to identify those responsible. The murder has sent shockwaves in the music industry, with many expressing their condolences to the family of the deceased singer.

The incident highlights the growing concern over the safety of artists and public figures in India. The police are working to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

The killing of Ankit Baliyan is a tragic reminder of the violence and lawlessness that plagues some parts of the country. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many calling for stricter laws and greater protection for artists and public figures.

In the meantime, the family of the deceased singer is struggling to come to terms with the loss of their loved one. The mother of the singer staged a protest with his body, demanding justice for her son. The incident has left the music industry in shock, and many are mourning the loss of a talented young artist.