Ankit Balyan Shot Dead Outside Shamli Gym, Eerily Echoing His Own Song; Gogi Gang Claims Responsibility
Popular Haryanvi singer, actor, and digital content creator Ankit Balyan was fatally shot by armed assailants outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district on Wednesday evening. Gogi gang have claimed responsibility for the execution-style killing in a social media post.
Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan was shot dead outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district on Wednesday evening, with police investigating a viral social media post in which the Gogi gang has allegedly claimed responsibility for the killing. Police are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to identify the attackers and establish the motive.
Balyan was leaving the gym in the Kotwali area when unidentified assailants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire. Reports said several rounds were fired, with police and witnesses putting the figure at around 18 to 20. Balyan suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died following the attack. Ankit Balyan Shot Dead: Haryanvi Singer and YouTuber Killed Outside Gym in UP’s Shamli.
Singer Ankit Balyan Attacked Outside Gym
According to police, the attackers were waiting near the gym and fled after shooting Balyan. The singer was reportedly attacked shortly after completing his workout. Shamli Superintendent of Police N.P. Singh said multiple police teams have been formed to investigate the murder, identify the assailants and determine the motive. CCTV footage from the area is also being examined.
The killing triggered protests by Balyan’s family members and supporters, who blocked a road near the crime scene and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. Police officials subsequently assured them that action would be taken.
Gogi Gang Claim Under Investigation
After the murder, a social media post purportedly linked to the Gogi gang surfaced claiming responsibility for the killing. The post alleged that Balyan had been in contact with the gang’s rivals and referred to one of his songs based on an incident involving gangster Jitendra Gogi. Police are verifying the authenticity of the post and investigating whether the claims have any connection to the murder.
Investigators are also examining whether an old rivalry or personal dispute could have played a role. At this stage, the alleged gang claim has not been independently established as proof of who ordered or carried out the killing.
Connection With ‘Court Mein Goli Marenge’
Balyan had gained popularity in the Haryanvi music scene with songs that frequently featured themes involving guns, crime and rural life. One of his best-known tracks was “Court Mein Goli Marenge,” which reportedly crossed 54 million views on YouTube. The song has come under scrutiny following the alleged Gogi gang post, which claims that the track was connected to an incident involving Jitendra Gogi.
Investigators are now looking into whether the song, alleged contacts with rivals or any earlier dispute could have contributed to the attack.
Who Was Ankit Balyan?
Balyan, who was from Bantkheda village in Shamli, had established himself as a singer, performer and YouTuber in the Haryanvi entertainment industry. He had more than 3.6 lakh YouTube subscribers and regularly released music videos featuring Haryanvi themes. He had also appeared in podcasts and publicly discussed social and political issues.
There was also speculation that Balyan was preparing to contest the upcoming panchayat elections. However, authorities had not officially confirmed that his political plans were connected to the murder.
Political Reactions
The killing has also drawn political reactions. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the incident and raised concerns over law and order in Uttar Pradesh. He also called for the possibility of political rivalry to be examined as part of the investigation. Police, however, have not yet publicly established a definitive motive.
Investigation Underway
The investigation is focused on identifying the attackers, establishing their movements before and after the shooting and determining who may have planned the attack.
Police are examining CCTV footage and the viral social media post, while investigators are also looking into Balyan’s personal, professional and other possible disputes. As of August 27, no definitive conclusion has been announced regarding the alleged Gogi gang connection. The case remains under investigation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2026 11:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).