‘Gang’s name similar to that of a prominent figure’: Akhilesh on Ankit Balyan murder

In the wake of singer Ankit Balyan's murder, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Akhilesh alleged that the gang responsible for the killing shares a name that closely resembles a prominent figure in the state. This comes amid speculation that the Gogi gang, primarily active in Delhi and Haryana, may be culpable for the murder.

Akhilesh's remarks came in response to the chief minister's claims that the mafia and criminals had left Uttar Pradesh. Instead, he stated that gangsters and thugs from other states have infiltrated the region, shooting dozens of rounds and committing murders. The SP leader also pointed out that the killers seemed to take pride in their association with the UP BJP government, which he claimed was corrupt and protected criminals through fake encounters.

The tragic incident occurred on August 26 when four armed assailants shot Ankit Balyan, a 32-year-old singer and YouTuber from Haryana, outside a gym in Shamli's Kotwali area. Preliminary reports indicated that around 18 rounds were fired in the point-blank attack. Police are investigating the possibility of a gang war after a social media post purportedly from Bholu Shahpuriya, allegedly linked to the Gogi gang, claimed responsibility for the killing.

The post suggested Balyan had supported the gang's rivals and made a song about the killing of gangster Jitender Mann, also known as Gogi.