A shocking act of violence has claimed the life of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan. The singer was shot dead by unknown attackers outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district on Wednesday evening.

Ankit Balyan was shot dead

According to a report by India Today, Ankit Balyan was targeted just as he walked out of the gym, located within the jurisdiction of the Shamli Kotwali police station. The gunmen opened fire without warning, leaving him with critical bullet wounds. He collapsed on the spot soon after. Police, alerted about the firing, reached the location swiftly and rushed him to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.Just two hours ago, he had shared a video on Instagram. Watch it here.

Ankit Balyan - A rising name in Haryanvi music

Hailing from Bantikhera, Ankit Balyan had built a strong following through his music and social media presence. His song 'Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan' brought him significant popularity, and he had earlier made headlines in 2023 over a roadshow held in Shamli. According to reports, he had also been gearing up to contest the upcoming District Panchayat elections.

Panic grips the area; probe begins

The killing sparked panic across the locality soon after it came to light. Police have since launched an investigation, examining CCTV footage from cameras near the crime scene in an attempt to trace the attackers and understand what triggered the attack. Senior officers noted that the precise motive would only become clear once a thorough investigation is completed.

Ankit Balyan's wider digital footprint

Ankit Balyan's content largely revolved around hyperlocal Haryanvi pop songs, bold on-screen personas and podcasts, often built around themes such as regional identity, "Desi" swagger, rustic toughness and law-and-order storylines. He worked both as an artist and producer, teaming up frequently with well-known Haryanvi singers, including Masoom Sharma, Raju Punjabi and Aashu Twinkle. In addition to music, he ventured into political commentary through podcasts and vlogs, engaging with local leaders and public figures across Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.His discography also includes tracks such as '112 NE', 'Goli Ke Barood', 'Jaat Jatni', 'Agla Janam Jaat', 'Savidhan', 'Modi Barga Rutba', 'Jaat Dharmender Ki Tariya', 'Ek Khtola Jail Ke Bhitar', 'Wait', 'System' and 'Riflein'.