Singer Murdered: Song Mirrors Court Killing

Haryanvi singer Ankit Baliyan, aged 35, was fatally shot outside a gym in Shamli. His death has drawn scrutiny to his popular song released in February 2023, which depicts a murder within a courtroom setting. Investigators are examining if this song, with over 54 million views, drew Baliyan into an existing gang war.

The circumstances echo the September 24, 2021, assassination of gangster Jitender Mann alias Gogi in Delhi's Rohini court. Two assailants, disguised as lawyers, killed Gogi in courtroom 207. This incident was allegedly orchestrated by Sunil Baliyan alias Tillu Tajpuria, who is now deceased.

A social media post, purportedly from Bholu Shahpuriya linked to the Gogi gang, claimed responsibility for Baliyan's murder. The post alleged Baliyan supported the Gogi gang's rivals and had created a song about Gogi's death, threatening further retribution.

However, police have not yet found direct evidence linking the song or Baliyan to the gang war. Meerut Zone ADG Bhanu Bhaskar stated that while the gang war theory is strong, concrete proof connecting the song to the murder is pending. The unusual detail of 18 bullets being fired at Baliyan, mirroring the number fired at Gogi, is also under investigation as a potential significant link or mere coincidence.

Baliyan's family has rejected the gang enmity theory, asserting he had no personal conflicts. They are demanding the swift arrest of his killers. The investigation continues with multiple specialized teams, including the UP STF, pursuing leads across Haryana and other regions.