New Delhi: Preliminary investigation into the sensational murder of singer Ankit Baliyan, who was shot dead in Shamli Wednesday, suggests the Gogi gang claimed responsibility as part of an attempt to “expand its footprint” into Uttar Pradesh from its traditional Delhi-Haryana stronghold, assert its presence, and “increase its influence in the region”, ThePrint has learnt.
The 32-year-old Haryanvi singer was leaving his gym in the Kotwali area of Shamli around 6:45 pm when four assailants on two motorcycles fired indiscriminately at him. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Soon after the killing, a person identifying himself as Bholu Shahpuri, allegedly a Sonipat-based member of the Gogi gang, claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media post. The post alleged that Baliyan had been supporting the gang’s rivals and had made a song about the killing of “Gogi bhai”.
The post appears to be a reference to Baliyan’s popular song, “Bhari Court Mein Goli Marenge”, released in February 2023. Significantly, Gogi was himself shot dead inside a courtroom.
On 24 September 2021, when he was brought to the Rohini court for a hearing, two alleged shooters from the rival Tillu gang, disguised as lawyers, opened fire and killed him. The two assailants were subsequently shot dead by police personnel present at the court.
Another post from the Instagram account of Bholu Shahpuria further stated, “This is just the beginning, everyone’s turn will come.” The gang also threatened the Uttar Pradesh Police, warning of more incidents similar to Baliyan’s killing.
“The gang is trying to expand its footprint and increase its influence in Uttar Pradesh. The intent appears to be to make its presence felt, send a message and establish an extortion network here by threatening singers, businessmen and other potential targets,” a police source said. “But that will not be allowed in Uttar Pradesh.”
The source said this theory appeared more plausible because Baliyan’s song could not, by itself, explain the timing of the killing.
The song was released in 2023, nearly two years after Gogi was killed in 2021. “It (Baliyan’s killing) appears to be more of a pretext to justify the killing and announce their entry into Uttar Pradesh to carry out criminal activities,” the source said.
The Police, however, said it remains unclear whether Baliyan had received any extortion calls or threats from the Gogi gang or any other criminal syndicate.
Speaking to ThePrint, Shamli Superintendent of Police N.P Singh said police were still trying to establish whether the social media post claiming the Gogi gang’s involvement was genuine.
“Moreover, we have not yet found any evidence to suggest that he received extortion calls or threats. His family members have also not said anything along those lines. His phone has been sent for forensic analysis,” Singh said.
A second Uttar Pradesh Police source said the investigators were also examining whether Baliyan may have come into contact with, or received threats from, members of the gang outside Uttar Pradesh.
The Gogi gang is primarily operational in Outer and Northwest Delhi, particularly Alipur and Rohini, with its influence extending across the Haryana border into areas such as Sonipat, Panipat and Jhajjar.
Since Baliyan also had an office in Haryana and travelled between Haryana and Delhi, investigators suspect that any alleged threats could have been issued to him there or that he may have been pursued by gang members outside Uttar Pradesh. “It is one of the possibilities being investigated,” the source said.
A murder case has been registered against four unidentified assailants on the complaint of Baliyan’s father, Satvir.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
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