Haryanvi singer-Youtuber Ankit Balyan shot dead in Uttar Pradesh; SP chief condemns attack on ‘Jats’
Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. Opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav condemned the killing, citing a breakdown in law and order and potential political motives.
Why it matters
The incident highlights concerns regarding rising violence in regional entertainment circles and the intersection of local politics with criminal activity.
Youtuber and Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a gym in Shamli district on Wednesday (August 26, 2026) evening, police said.
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav termed Balyan's killing "highly condemnable", saying the "law and order" situation had been reduced to "zero" and demanded investigation into possible political rivalry.
The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also called it an attack on the Jat community.
The incident took place in the Kotwali police station area when Balyan was coming out of the gym, they said.
Speculation was rife that Balyan was planning to contest upcoming panchayat polls, but there was no official confirmation from authorities or his associates immediately on it and if that could be the reason behind his killing.
Superintendent of Police M P Singh told reporters that police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the shooting.
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