Haryanvi Singer Shot 20 Times Outside Gym, Death Mirrors Lyrics From His Own Song

Popular Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Baliyan was shot dead outside a gym in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli on Wednesday evening.

Police said three to four assailants opened fire on the 35-year-old singer, firing around 20 rounds and leaving him with multiple gunshot wounds, including an injury to the head.

Baliyan had reportedly finished his workout and was walking towards his car, around 20-25 metres from the gym, when the attackers targeted him at around 7 pm. He died in the shooting before the assailants fled the scene. Police are yet to establish the exact motive behind the killing.

The Gogi gang has claimed responsibility for the murder, alleging that Baliyan was in contact with members of rival groups and had created a song linked to an incident involving the gang.

An Instagram account belonging to Bholu Shahpuria, who is reportedly associated with the gang, also issued a threat following the killing. The post warned that the incident was “just the beginning” and suggested that further attacks could follow, while also issuing a warning to the Uttar Pradesh Police.

Singer’s Own Song Takes on Eerie Meaning

The murder has drawn particular attention because of one of Baliyan’s popular tracks, Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan, a song whose title refers to shooting someone in court.

The violent theme of the track has taken on an unsettling significance following Baliyan’s death in a shooting. His music frequently featured themes associated with regional pride, rural life, bravado, weapons and local power dynamics.

Baliyan, a native of Bantikhera village in Shamli, had been living in Haryana’s Rohtak and Sonipat in recent years while pursuing a career in music and acting. He had reportedly been regularly visiting the Shamli gym for around a year.

Police are investigating several possible motives, including an old rivalry and a potential connection to the upcoming Panchayat elections.

Family, Locals Protest

Baliyan’s killing triggered protests from his family and local residents. Protesters placed his body on the road and blocked the Delhi-Muzaffarnagar Road, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.

The protesters said they would not clear the road until the accused were arrested and also stated that Baliyan’s last rites would be conducted only after the arrests.

Baliyan’s Music and Digital Career

Baliyan had built a following through Haryanvi music videos, YouTube content, podcasts and ground-level vlogging. His work often reflected regional identity, rural culture and the swagger associated with contemporary Haryanvi pop.

He also collaborated with established Haryanvi artists including Masoom Sharma, Raju Punjabi and Aashu Twinkle. In addition to music, Baliyan produced political podcasts and interviewed politicians and other community figures from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Some of his other songs included 112 NE, Goli Ke Barood, Jaat Jatni, Agla Janam Jaat, Savidhan, Modi Barga Rutba, Jaat Dharmender Ki Tariya, Ek Khtola Jail Ke Bhitar, Wait, System and Riflein.

However, it was Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan that became the most striking reference following his death, as the song’s depiction of gun violence acquired a grim new meaning after the singer was himself killed in a hail of bullets.