Video: Shooters conducted recce, stayed at UP hotel before Ankit Baliyan killing
Police say two shooters tracked Haryanvi singer Ankit Baliyan in Shamli days before he was killed outside a gym. The probe is now focused on hotel CCTV, escape routes and a suspected jail-linked conspiracy.
Two shooters involved in the murder of Haryanvi singer Ankit Baliyan reportedly conducted reconnaissance of his movements days before the killing, with CCTV footage from a Shamli hotel providing a crucial lead to investigators.
Baliyan, 35, was shot dead outside a gym in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, on August 26 by four armed assailants.
The latest investigation has revealed details of the reconnaissance carried out before the attack and the movements of the shooters after the murder.
TWO SHOOTERS CONDUCTED RECCE ON AUGUST 20
According to the investigation, two shooters travelled to Shamli on August 20 and reportedly tracked Baliyan's movements.
The two men stayed at Surya Hotel in Shamli and submitted identification documents, including Aadhaar cards, during their stay.
Police subsequently examined CCTV footage from the hotel, which is believed to have provided important clues about the suspects and their movements.
The footage and other evidence are being examined to establish the sequence of events leading up to the murder and determine how the shooters tracked Baliyan before carrying out the attack.
Investigators believe four shooters were involved in the killing. After the attack, two of them reportedly fled towards Karnal on a motorcycle, while the other two, identified as Mohit and Sumit, escaped towards Baghpat.
Police later tracked Mohit and Sumit. During the investigation, Sumit reportedly changed his clothes while the two were on the run.
The pair were subsequently traced and killed in a police encounter.
POLICE PROBE JAIL CONNECTION
Investigators are also examining a possible jail connection to the conspiracy behind Baliyan's murder.
According to information emerging from the probe, the conspiracy was planned from jails in Haryana and Delhi. Police are examining the suspected roles of Rakesh alias Pampu, who is lodged in a Haryana jail, and Rohit Moi and Deepak Boxer, who are lodged in Tihar Jail.
All three are reportedly linked to the Gogi gang. Police are investigating whether instructions or other logistical support for the killing were coordinated from inside the prisons.
The probe into the suspected involvement of other individuals is continuing.
GOGI GANG CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY
The Gogi gang had earlier claimed responsibility for Baliyan's killing, citing his purported links with rival gangs and referring to political motives.
Baliyan, known for songs such as Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge Meri Jaan, was shot outside a gym in Shamli, triggering protests and demands for justice.
Police have formed multiple teams to investigate the murder, trace the remaining suspects and establish the complete conspiracy. Baliyan's family has demanded full justice as investigators continue examining CCTV footage, digital evidence and the jail links behind the killing.