Ankit Balyan Murder: First Photos of Suspected Killers Surface As Police Intensify Probe
Investigators probing the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan outside a gym in Shamli have obtained the first surveillance photographs of the suspected assailants.
The first photographs of the suspected killers of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan have surfaced as police intensify their investigation into his shooting outside a gym in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. Balyan, 32, was shot dead on Wednesday evening after four men allegedly arrived on two motorcycles and waited for him outside the gym, TOI reported.
Police are examining CCTV footage, technical evidence and possible links to Haryana as they work to identify and arrest the suspects. Investigators are also looking into whether the attackers had conducted reconnaissance of the area before carrying out the shooting. Ankit Balyan Shot Dead Outside Shamli Gym, Eerily Echoing His Own Song; Gogi Gang Claims Responsibility.
First Photos of Suspected Killers Surface in Ankit Balyan Murder Case
सिंगर अंकित बालियान की हत्या का मामला" हत्या करने वाले बदमाशों के फोटो आए सामने, पहले बदमाशों ने रेकी की उसके बाद वारदात की! https://t.co/TvTsGcnOTs pic.twitter.com/cMWbdJ3ubZ
— Arjun Chaudharyy (@Arjun5chaudhary) August 27, 2026
Suspects Waited Outside Gym
The shooting took place at around 7 p.m. near Aryapuri Nala Patri in Shamli's City Kotwali area. According to police, four men arrived on two motorcycles and waited outside the gym for Balyan to finish his workout. When the singer came out and walked towards his Scorpio SUV, the attackers allegedly opened fire at close range.
Police said a wall prevented Balyan from reaching the driver's side of the vehicle, forcing him towards the co-driver's door. The attackers allegedly opened fire after the door was opened. Ankit Balyan Shot Dead: Haryanvi Singer and YouTuber Killed Outside Gym in UP’s Shamli.
Balyan suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his head and abdomen. Three bullets also struck the front windscreen of his SUV. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
First Images of Suspects Surface
The emergence of the first photographs of the suspected attackers is a significant development in the investigation. Police are expected to use the images, along with CCTV footage and other technical evidence, to establish the identities and movements of the suspects. The attackers fled before police reached the scene. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the identities of the individuals seen in the photographs, and their involvement remains subject to investigation.
UP Police Probe Possible Haryana Link
Additional Director General of Police, Meerut Zone, Bhanu Bhaskar, visited Shamli with senior police officers to review the investigation. Police are examining the motive behind the killing and investigating a possible connection to Haryana. Multiple teams have been deployed as investigators try to establish the circumstances leading to the attack.
A separate social media post purportedly linked to the Gogi gang has also claimed responsibility for the killing. Police are verifying the authenticity of that claim and whether it has any connection with the actual attackers.
Ankit Balyan's Family and Supporters Protest
The killing triggered protests by Balyan's family members, supporters and villagers. Protesters blocked the Delhi-Muzaffarnagar Road near the crime scene and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. Police officials have assured them that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Who Was Ankit Balyan?
Balyan, a resident of Bantikheda village in Shamli, had built a sizeable following through Haryanvi songs, stage performances and digital content. He had more than 3.66 lakh YouTube subscribers, according to the report.
His songs often featured themes related to rural life and contemporary Haryanvi culture. His music and online presence had made him a recognised figure among regional audiences.
His murder has also drawn attention because of his song “Court Mein Goli Marenge”, which has become a focus of the investigation following the alleged gang's social media claim. However, police have not established that the song was the reason for the killing.
Investigation Continues
The police investigation is now focused on identifying the suspected shooters, tracing their movements and establishing who planned the attack. CCTV footage, digital and technical evidence, the alleged gang claim and possible links to Haryana are among the leads being examined. Until investigators establish the identities and roles of those involved, the motive remains unconfirmed. Police have yet to announce any arrests in connection with Balyan's murder.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2026 02:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
