Report by Swati
Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. August 31, 2026
The investigation into the murder of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan took a major turn on Monday after two alleged shooters were killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Police and STF in Shamli.The two accused, identified as Sumit and Mohit, were allegedly involved in the killing of Baliyan, who was shot dead outside a gym in Shamli on August 26. Both suspects were reportedly carrying a reward of ₹50,000 each. 11 Teams Deployed for the Investigation UP DGP Rajeev Krishna said the police treated the case as a major challenge and deployed 11 teams, involving senior officers and four Additional Superintendents of Police, to trace the killers and uncover the conspiracy behind the murder. Investigators examined CCTV footage, digital leads and other evidence to identify the shooters and reconstruct their movements before and after the crime. Police subsequently identified four alleged shooters, while two other suspects were reportedly involved in reconnaissance of the victim. CCTV Footage Provided Crucial Leads
According to investigators, Sumit and Mohit had reached Shamli before the murder and stayed at the Surya Hotel on August 20 and 21. CCTV footage from the hotel allegedly helped investigators establish their movements and their connection to the crime. Police said the four shooters fled through different routes after the murder. Investigators tracked the movements of Sumit and Mohit towards the Shamli area.How the Encounter Took Place According to the police version, a search operation was underway when the two suspects were intercepted near the Indian Gas warehouse on Kairana Road. Police said the suspects opened fire while attempting to escape, following which the police teams retaliated.Both suspects sustained gunshot injuries and were subsequently declared dead. Two police personnel were also reported to have sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. Police recovered weapons and other material from the encounter site, while further investigation is underway.Two Shooters Still Being Traced The investigation has not ended with the encounter. Police are continuing efforts to trace the remaining accused and establish the complete chain behind the murder. Investigators have also been examining the alleged links of the shooters with organised criminal networks and the possible conspiracy behind the killing.The encounter has also triggered questions from some political quarters, with demands for an inquiry into the circumstances in which the exchange of fire took place.
