Ankit Balyan Murder Case: Two Suspected Shooters Killed in Shamli Police Encounter

Shamli police have made a major breakthrough in the murder of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan, with two suspected sharpshooters killed in an encounter on Monday.

Balyan was shot dead on August 26 at around 6.45 pm while leaving a gym in Shamli’s Kotwali area. Police said four assailants riding two motorcycles opened fire before fleeing. A video of the attack later surfaced on social media. The post-mortem found five gunshot injuries, including two to the head, officials said. He was declared dead at a nearby community health centre.

The suspects killed in Monday’s encounter were Mohit, 22, and Sumit, 24, both from Sonipat, Haryana. A reward of Rs 50,000 each had been announced for information leading to their arrest. Police said Mohit had around 14 cases registered in Haryana, while one case was registered against Sumit.

Following Balyan’s killing, Shamli was placed on high alert and night-time vehicle checks were intensified. Police said the suspects were intercepted during the checking operation. They allegedly opened fire and tried to escape, prompting retaliatory firing. Both sustained bullet injuries and were taken to Shamli District Joint Hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Two SWAT personnel, Head Constables Harvinder and Pradeep, were also injured.

Police said three pistols and 26 cartridges were recovered from the suspects. The encounter involved Shamli Kotwali and Jhinjhana police personnel and the Shamli SWAT team.

Investigators allege the shooters were hired by absconding gangster Rahul, who is associated with the Gogi gang and carries a Rs 1 lakh reward. Police said their investigation indicated Rahul sent the shooters and allegedly arranged money and weapons. Investigators are also verifying a social-media post claiming responsibility for the killing and examining the gang connection.

Two other alleged shooters remain at large. Shamli police and the Uttar Pradesh STF are conducting a joint operation to arrest the remaining accused and establish the full conspiracy and its motive. Separate legal proceedings concerning the encounter are also underway at Shamli Kotwali police station.