New Delhi: The murder of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan in Shamli has taken a major twist, with police claiming that the killing was linked to a song allegedly connected with gangster Jitender Maan alias Gogi's court murder case.
Police said the investigation so far indicates that gang-related tensions over the song may have led to Ankit Baliyan being targeted.
Two Suspects Killed In Police Encounter
Two accused allegedly involved in Ankit Baliyan's murder were killed in a police encounter in Shamli on Monday.
The suspects, identified as Mohit (22) and Sumit (24), residents of Sonipat district in Haryana, allegedly opened fire at police personnel during checking near Kairana Road.
According to UP Police, a joint team of Shamli Kotwali police, Jhinjhana police and SWAT intercepted the suspects near the Indian Gas godown.
Police said the accused fired at the team, following which retaliatory action was taken. Both suspects sustained injuries and later died.
'Court Mein Goli Maarenge' Song Under Scanner
Shamli Superintendent of Police Narendra Pratap Singh said interrogation of accused revealed that a song by Ankit Baliyan titled “Court mein goli maarenge meri jaan… judge ke paseene aayenge” allegedly became a reason behind the dispute.
Police claimed that members of gangster Jitender Maan alias Gogi's gang objected to the song, saying it insulted their group.
The song was allegedly interpreted as being linked to the 2021 murder of Gogi inside the Rohini court complex in Delhi.
Gogi Gang And Tillu Tajpuria Angle
Police said the accused believed the song supported rival gangster Sunil Maan alias Tillu Tajpuria, who was alive at the time.
According to police, since Tillu Tajpuria and Ankit Baliyan belonged to the same Baliyan gotra, members of the rival gang allegedly took the song as a personal insult.
SP Narendra Pratap Singh said the matter was later clarified, but the accused allegedly continued targeting Ankit and got an opportunity to execute the murder on August 26.
Shooter Team Stayed In Shamli Before Murder
Police said the two accused shooters had arrived in Shamli on August 20 and stayed at a local hotel.
Investigators checked CCTV footage of the hotel and collected their identity details, including Aadhaar and PAN card information.
Police also said the accused did not use any GPS tracking device while carrying out their activities.
Mastermind Rahul Alias Bhola Wanted
Police have identified Rahul alias Bhola, a resident of Sonipat, as the alleged mastermind behind the murder.
According to police, Rahul coordinated the operation through Snapchat and is wanted in Haryana. A reward has also been announced for information leading to his arrest.
Ankit Baliyan Was Shot Dead Outside Gym
Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan was shot dead by armed assailants outside a gym in Shamli on August 26.
The incident triggered widespread concern, following which police launched a massive investigation and intensified checking operations across the district.
The investigation into the murder case is still underway.