The killing of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli is suspected to be linked to a song that allegedly offended members of gangster Jitender Maan alias Gogi’s gang, police said.
Baliyan was shot dead on August 26. Police believe the dispute centred on a song that referred to the 2021 killing of Gogi inside a Delhi court and was later seen as supporting rival gangster Tillu Tajpuria.
Two suspects killed in police encounter
Two suspects wanted in the case, identified as Mohit, 22, and Sumit, 24, both from Haryana’s Sonipat district, were killed after they allegedly opened fire at police during an interception early Monday.
A joint team of Shamli Kotwali police, Jhinjhana police and the SWAT team stopped the two men during vehicle checks on Kairana Road. Police said the suspects fired at personnel, with one bullet hitting a police vehicle.
The suspects later took cover near the Indian Gas godown and continued firing, according to police. Two constables suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital before being referred to a higher medical centre.
The two suspects were injured in retaliatory firing and later died while in police custody, officials said.
‘Court me murder’ song at centre of probe
Shamli Superintendent of Police Narendra Pratap Singh said interrogation of the accused pointed to Baliyan’s song, “Court me goli maarenge meri jaan… judge ke paseene aayenge” [will shoot you down in court… even judge would be left sweating].
According to the police, members of Gogi’s gang had objected to the song, saying it dishonoured them, and had asked Baliyan not to release it. Police said he did not comply.
The song was subsequently seen as being in support of Tillu Tajpuria, a rival gangster who was alive at the time. Tajpuria and Baliyan both belonged to the Baliyan gotra, which investigators believe added to the anger among those involved.
Police name alleged mastermind
Police have identified Rahul alias Bhola, a Sonipat resident, as the alleged mastermind behind the August 26 killing. The SP said Bhola was allegedly coordinating the operation through Snapchat.
He is also wanted in Haryana, and a reward has been announced for information leading to his arrest.
Police said their investigation so far has also found that the accused did not use GPS-tracking devices or similar equipment during their activities.