Two suspects, believed to have killed Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan in Shamli last week, were shot dead during an encounter, Uttar Pradesh Police said on Monday.
Two SWAT head constables, Harvinder and Pradeep, were also injured in the firing. The suspects, identified as Mohit, 22, and Sumit, 24, both residents of Sonepat in Haryana, were carrying a reward of ₹ 50,000 each. Three pistols, including two .30-bore weapons, live and fired cartridges, a motorcycle, a bag, a mobile phone and ₹ 5,000 in cash were recovered during the operation. The DGP announced a ₹ 2 lakh reward for the police team involved in the operation and said action against those behind the murder would continue. The song had received around 5.4 crore views on YouTube. Balyan had purchased the song from Rahul Patthuri for ₹ 55,000 and subsequently sold it to Vats Company for ₹ 1.5 lakh, according to the police investigation.
They sustained bullet injuries and were taken to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead,” officials said. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, director general of police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna said the ongoing investigation had established that Balyan’s killing was not a spontaneous crime. “Officials are examining a chain involving reconnaissance of the target, use of technical resources, procurement of weapons, mobilisation of shooters, logistical support and arrangements to help the assailants escape,” he said. The suspects were intercepted by personnel from Shamli Kotwali police station, Jhinjhana police station, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and other units, according to the police. They are hospitalised, police said. Police said a song titled “Bhari court mein goli marenge meri jaan”, in which Balyan had acted, emerged as another possible trigger. Police said gang members allegedly interpreted the song as an insult connected with Gogi’s killing and accused Balyan of releasing it in association with Tillu Tajpuriya gangsters.
“They opened fire at police personnel, drawing retaliation near an LPG godown on Kairana Road in Shamli on Monday morning.
The role of other gangsters is also being looked into. “Criminals operating from other states, abroad or in jails should not be under any misconception.
The DGP said the investigation had indicated the possible involvement of the Jitendra Mann alias Gogi gang. Uttar Pradesh will not be allowed to become a base for revenge or a shelter for any gang,” the DGP said.
