Law enforcement authorities in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, have intensified their manhunt for two remaining suspects allegedly involved in the high-profile murder of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balian. As the investigation progresses, the financial reward for providing credible information that leads to the apprehension of these two fugitive shooters has been doubled to 1 lakh rupees.
Shamli Superintendent of Police Narendra Pratap Singh confirmed that the bounty on the two wanted individuals, identified as Aryan and Satyam from neighbouring Haryana, has been substantially raised. The police chief stated that multiple teams are actively conducting raids across various suspected hideouts to track down the absconding suspects and bring them to justice without delay.
The Fatal Attack Outside the Gym
The tragic incident took place on August 26, when the 32-year-old artist was targeted outside a gymnasium in Shamli. According to initial police accounts, as he was walking towards his vehicle, four assailants riding on two motorcycles ambushed him and opened heavy gunfire. The audacious daylight attack sent shockwaves through the local community and the regional entertainment industry.
Two Suspected Shooters Neutralized Earlier
In subsequent operations, Shamli police managed to corner some of the key perpetrators. On August 31, two primary suspects identified as Mohit and Sumit were killed in a police encounter in Shamli, during which two police personnel also sustained injuries. Authorities recovered multiple firearms and live cartridges from the site. Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna had earlier described the entire operation as a calculated and pre-planned conspiracy.
Ongoing Raids and Political Outreach
According to sources, investigators are expanding their search operations beyond Uttar Pradesh into neighbouring states to trace the remaining accomplices. Investigators are closely scrutinizing the digital footprints, movements, and associations of the suspects both prior to and after the crime. Meanwhile, grieving family members had earlier welcomed the neutralization of the two suspects while urging authorities to ensure that all remaining culprits face severe consequences.
In the wake of the tragedy, prominent political figures visited the bereaved family to offer condolences. Union Minister and RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary met with the family members and appealed for faith in the legal system. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also spoke with the relatives to express solidarity and extend party support. Police reiterated that comprehensive probes into the conspiracy and execution of the crime remain active.
