Lucknow: Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan (32) was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a gym in Shamli district on Wednesday evening, triggering protests and a road blockade by family members and supporters.The attack took place around 7 pm near Aryapuri Nala Patri in the City Kotwali area. Police and eyewitnesses said four attackers had allegedly been waiting outside the gym and opened fire as Baliyan stepped out and walked towards his Scorpio SUV.Witnesses said Baliyan tried to protect himself by moving towards the co-driver’s side because a wall stood close to the driver’s side. The attackers allegedly pulled open a vehicle door and fired repeatedly at close range. Preliminary information indicates about 18 rounds were fired. Five bullets reportedly hit Baliyan in the head and abdomen, while three struck the Scorpio’s front windshield.Baliyan was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The attackers fled the spot on foot, leaving behind a tense and crowded crime scene as residents gathered within minutes.Additional director general of police (Meerut Zone) Bhanu Bhaskar reached Shamli to supervise the probe along with senior officers.Superintendent of police NP Singh said several teams had been formed to identify the attackers, establish the motive and make arrests. Police are checking CCTV footage from the gym and surrounding locations and are also exploring a possible link to Haryana, officials said.The killing led to an outpouring of anger among Baliyan’s supporters and villagers, who blocked the Delhi–Muzaffarnagar Road, around 50 metres from the shooting site. Protesters demanded immediate arrests and stringent action.The protest intensified when Baliyan’s body was placed on the road. Witnesses described an emotional scene as his mother sat holding his head in her lap and pleaded with people not to disturb him, saying, “Don’t speak, my son is sleeping.”A resident of Bantikheda village in Shamli, Baliyan was known for the song “Bhari Court Mein Goli Marenge Meri Jaan” and had built a substantial social media following. He also drew attention during a roadshow in Shamli in 2023, after which an FIR was registered against him and several supporters over alleged violations. Sources said he was preparing to enter district panchayat politics. Police said no arrests had been made till late Wednesday night.
