Investigation Reveals Suspects' Reconnaissance and Hotel Stay
Police investigating the murder of Haryanvi singer Ankit Baliyan have identified a hotel stay by two of the suspected shooters as a key lead, according to officials. CCTV footage from Hotel Surya, located about 1.5km from the crime scene in Shamli, shows two men checking in on August 20, arriving on a motorbike, with one making a cash payment at the reception.
The suspects stayed at the hotel for two days and provided their identity cards and PAN details at check-in, officials said. Police suspect the stay was part of a larger plan to track Baliyan's movements and execute the attack.
According to the investigation, the duo had also allegedly brought a GPS device, which investigators suspect was intended to be fitted in a vehicle to track movements, but it could not be installed. Investigators believe the accused monitored Baliyan's movements through his regular gym visits and social media updates.
Police said that members and supporters of the Gogi gang allegedly believed that Baliyan's appearance in a song had brought disrepute to the gang. The investigation has revealed that the gang had been trying to locate a target earlier and had threatened him, but he remained cautious and stayed out of sight for months.
The two suspects seen at the hotel later joined two other shooters on August 26, the day of the murder. Police said Bholu Sapuria allegedly supplied the weapons to the group. Two youths reportedly arrived from the Karnal side and two from Sonipat before the attack.
The Murder and Initial Findings
Ankit Baliyan, 35, was shot dead outside a gym in Shamli on August 26. Police earlier said four assailants opened fire on him before fleeing the spot. Nine bullets, including .30 and .32 calibre rounds, were recovered from the crime scene. Police believe the recovered weapons may have been used in the murder, though forensic examination is required to establish a match.
Encounter with Accused
On Monday, two accused, Sumit and Mohit, were killed by police in an encounter in Shamli. They were allegedly linked to the Gogi gang and were residents of Sonipat, with rewards of Rs 50,000 each on their heads.
After the murder, two shooters fled towards Karnal on a motorcycle, while the other two, identified as Mohit and Sumit, escaped towards Baghpat. According to officials, Sumit and Mohit had fled towards Loni via Baghpat after the murder and were intercepted while attempting to travel towards Sonipat through Shamli's industrial area.
Police said the accused opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliatory firing; both were injured and later declared dead at a hospital. Two policemen were also injured in the exchange. During the investigation, Sumit reportedly changed his clothes while on the run.
Ongoing Search and Possible Jail Connection
Police teams are continuing the search for the remaining accused, Satyam and Aryan. Investigators are also examining a possible jail connection to the conspiracy, with the plot allegedly planned from jails in Haryana and Delhi. Police are examining the suspected roles of Rakesh alias Pampu (in a Haryana jail), Rohit Moi and Deepak Boxer (in Tihar Jail), all reportedly linked to the Gogi gang.
The Gogi gang had earlier claimed responsibility for Baliyan's killing, citing his purported links with rival gangs and referring to political motives. Baliyan was known for songs such as "Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan."
Baliyan's shooting triggered protests and demands for justice; his family has demanded full justice.