UP Deputy CM Hits Back at SP Over Haryanvi Singer Ankit Baliyan's Murder

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Saturday responded sharply to the Samajwadi Party's criticism of the state government following the murder of Haryanvi singer and actor Ankit Baliyan in Shamli district.

Speaking to the media, Pathak said the government had taken the murder "very seriously" and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible. He accused the Samajwadi Party of attempting to "politicise" such incidents and reiterated that maintaining law and order remains the government's priority.

"The Samajwadi Party constantly attempts to politicise such incidents. Our commitment is towards maintaining law and order in Uttar Pradesh. The government has taken this matter also very seriously. No criminal will be spared; strict action will be taken," Pathak said.

The remarks came after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav raised questions over the law and order situation in the state following Baliyan's killing. In a post on X, the former Chief Minister condemned the singer's death as "merciless" and claimed the incident had caused anger and concern among members of the Jat community.

According to police, Baliyan was shot dead by three to four men as he stepped out of a gym in Shamli. A call to Dial 112 alerted authorities, and police teams reached the spot. Shamli Superintendent of Police NP Singh confirmed that the body has been sent to the mortuary and an investigation has been initiated.

Meanwhile, police are examining a social media post allegedly linked to the Gogi gang claiming responsibility for the murder. The post suggests the killing may be connected to a song by Baliyan that referenced gangster Jitendra Gogi, who was shot dead inside Rohini Court. Police are verifying the post's authenticity and exploring whether an old dispute with the gang could be linked to the killing.