Daijiworld Media Network - Shamli

Shamli, Aug 31: Two suspected shooters allegedly involved in the murder of Haryanvi singer and actor Ankit Baliyan were killed in an encounter with the Haryana Police and Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) in Shamli, police said on Monday.

Baliyan, 32, was shot dead in Shamli district on Wednesday evening shortly after he stepped out of a gym. Following his murder, a social media post allegedly linked to the Gogi gang claimed responsibility for the killing.

According to police, four unidentified men travelling in two vehicles opened fire at Baliyan at around 6.55 pm as he came out of the gym. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries and was rushed to a Community Health Centre, where doctors declared him dead.

Police said four shooters were involved in the murder and escaped on two motorcycles. Two of the suspects, identified as Sumit and Mohit, were killed in the encounter on Monday. Sophisticated weapons were recovered from them, police said.

"Analysis of CCTV footage and inquiries with locals revealed that four shooters were involved in the incident; they fled on two motorcycles. They were continuously pursued," Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash said.

He said police were investigating the involvement of the remaining suspects as well as senior members of the gang and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Shamli Superintendent of Police Narendra Pratap Singh said the encounter followed an extensive vehicle-checking operation launched after midnight. Police had implemented a blockade plan from midnight to 6 am to prevent vehicles from entering the district without verification.

At around 4 am, police spotted two men travelling on a motorcycle and attempted to stop them. The suspects allegedly opened fire at the police before trying to flee towards the city.

According to SP Singh, the station house officer of Kotwali police station was conducting checks near a bridge when the suspects approached. When the officer attempted to stop them, they allegedly fired at the police vehicle, shattering its windshield, and then turned towards the city.

The officer immediately alerted other police units. An alert was broadcast over the wireless network, following which the SWAT team, surveillance personnel, station house officers, city circle officer, additional superintendent of police and Kairana circle officer reached the area.

The suspects subsequently swerved towards another area, where police units closed in from the opposite direction. They then entered a dead-end alley, allegedly took cover and opened fire at the police.

Two police constables sustained critical injuries during the exchange of fire. They were initially taken to CHC Shamli and later referred to a higher medical facility for treatment.

Both suspects were also critically injured in retaliatory firing. They were taken to the Community Health Centre, where they later succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment.

Police said efforts were continuing to identify and apprehend the other suspects allegedly involved in Baliyan's murder, as well as to establish the full conspiracy and the role of other members of the gang.