A social media video shared by Haryanvi singer Ankit Baliyan shortly before his death drew attention online after he was shot in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district.
The 35-year-old singer had posted the Instagram reel on August 26, hours before the shooting. In the video, he had appeared to sing along to a Haryanvi track that included the line, “Murder maar de sadak ke upar.”
The video was later widely shared after news of his death emerged. Several social media users revisited the reel because of its timing.
Ankit Baliyan was shot in Shamli.
According to local media reports, the shooting had taken place in the Shamli Kotwali area in the evening. Ankit had reportedly been leaving a local gym at around 7pm when armed attackers had opened fire.
Witnesses had reportedly said that three to four men were involved in the attack and that several rounds had been fired. Ankit had suffered serious injuries and had been taken to a nearby hospital, where he was reportedly declared dead.
The shooting had led to protests in the area, with local residents and members of his community demanding action against those responsible.
Police had started an investigation and had examined CCTV footage from the area. Investigators had also looked into Ankit’s recent activities and contacts while trying to establish the reason behind the attack.
Authorities had not publicly confirmed a motive for the shooting.
Who was Ankit Baliyan?
Ankit had worked as a Haryanvi singer, lyricist, actor and content creator. He had come from Bantikheda village in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, and had developed an interest in singing at a young age.
He had become known in the Haryanvi music scene through songs connected with rural life and local culture. His work had included tracks such as One Khatola is waiting for Jail, We will shoot in the heavy court, Jaat Jatni, It is 112, System and Riflein.
He had also worked with artists including Masoom Sharma, Raju Punjabi, Ranu Punjabi, Anjali Raghav and Ashu Twinkle.
Apart from music, Ankit had also been involved in political vlogging. Reports had said that he was planning to contest upcoming district elections.
His final Instagram video had continued to circulate online following his death, while the investigation into the shooting had remained underway.
