Singer Ankit Balyan's kin urge Rahul Gandhi to intervene in murder probe

The family of Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan has appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to intervene in the investigation into his murder, expressing frustration over the absence of arrests five days after the fatal shooting in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh.

Balyan's wife, speaking to reporters, said the police have been working but have produced no ground-level results. "Five days have passed, and no arrests have been made so far," she said, adding that the family's hope in the police administration and the state government is fading. She urged Gandhi to visit western Uttar Pradesh and take up the case, citing his prominence among the youth and his track record of raising public issues.

In an emotional appeal, Balyan's elder sister also requested Gandhi's intervention, noting that she lost her brother just days before Rakshabandhan. "My request to you is that my brother's killers be punished," she said, adding that neither the central nor the state government has done anything so far.

Balyan was shot dead on Wednesday evening as he stepped out of a fitness gym in Shamli district. According to ADG Meerut Bhanu Bhaskar, four unidentified individuals arrived in two vehicles and opened fire at around 6:55 PM. Police personnel present at the scene rushed him to a Community Health Centre, but doctors could not save him.

A viral social media post allegedly linked to the Gogi gang has claimed responsibility for the murder, and the Shamli Police are investigating that post. The incident came to light after an emergency call was made to Dial 112, prompting police teams to rush to the crime scene. Balyan, a resident of Banti Khera, was a well-known singer with many videos on YouTube.