Two men suspected of being involved in the murder of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan were killed in a police encounter in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, August 31, police said.
The suspects were identified as Mohit, 22, and Sumit, 24, both residents of Sonipat in Haryana. Police said a reward of ₹50,000 had been announced for information leading to the arrest of each of them. The two were allegedly among the shooters involved in Baliyan’s killing.
According to police, the encounter took place near an Indian Gas warehouse on Kairana Road in Shamli. A police team intercepted the suspects during the operation, following intensified checks and searches after Baliyan was shot dead last week. Police said the suspects opened fire at the team, forcing personnel to retaliate.
Both men suffered bullet injuries and were taken to Shamli District Joint Hospital for treatment. Doctors later declared them dead. Two police personnel were also injured during the exchange of fire, according to officials.
Police said firearms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects. The recovery reportedly included three pistols, live and spent cartridges, a motorcycle, a mobile phone, a bag and cash. Officials are continuing to verify their criminal records and their alleged links to the murder.
Ankit Baliyan, 32, was shot outside a gym in Shamli on August 26. Police said four armed men travelling on two motorcycles opened fire on him as he was leaving the gym. He suffered serious injuries and was taken to a nearby health centre, where doctors declared him dead.
The murder shocked the Haryanvi music community and led to demands for quick action against those responsible. Investigators believe several people may have been involved in planning and carrying out the attack, with other suspects still being searched for.
The encounter has now become a major development in the case. Police are expected to continue investigating the alleged network behind the killing, including the motive and the role of other suspects. Authorities have maintained that the encounter followed firing by the accused, while further investigation into the case is continuing.
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