Nearly an hour before his death, Haryanvi singer, songwriter and actor Ankit Baliyan posted an Instagram Reel promoting his recently released song Baby Badmash.

In the video, the 35-year-old singer is seen singing a verse that includes the line, “Murder maar de sadak ke upar” – loosely translated as “kill someone on the street” – and urging his followers to share it. Less than 24 hours later, Baliyan was shot dead outside a gym in Shamli in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

The particular verse Baliyan chose for his final Reel has drawn attention after his killing. He sings about “murder on the street” and dedicates the lines to his “khaas bhai” (his special brothers) before asking viewers to share the song. Fans have since flooded the post with condolence messages, giving the otherwise promotional Reel an unsettling context.

The lyric is now being viewed alongside the circumstances of Baliyan’s death, but there is no indication so far that the song or the Reel had any connection to the attack. Police are investigating the killing and have not established a motive.

His best-known track, Bhari Court Mein Goli, had itself attracted controversy for its depiction of a courtroom shooting and lyrics about firing at a packed court and making the judge sweat. The song had also faced legal objections over its portrayal of violence and its references to the judiciary.

Now, after Baliyan was killed in a public shooting, his final Reel has added another layer to the attention surrounding his music.

What happened to Ankit Baliyan?

Baliyan was leaving a gym in Shamli’s Kotwali area and getting into his car around 7pm on 26 August when three to four armed men opened fire at him, police said. As India Today reported earlier, around 12 rounds were fired.

Baliyan suffered multiple bullet injuries and collapsed after the shooting. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The attackers fled the scene.

His family and supporters have since protested, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. Police are examining CCTV footage and have formed multiple teams to identify the attackers and establish the motive.

A social media post claiming responsibility in the name of the Gogi gang has also surfaced. Police are verifying its authenticity and have not established a gang connection or motive in the killing so far.

Who was Ankit Baliyan?

Baliyan hailed from Bantikhera village in Shamli district and had established himself in the Haryanvi music industry over the past few years. He was known for his rustic style and songs rooted in rural culture and had collaborated with artistes, including Raju Punjabi, Masoom Sharma, Anjali Raghav and Ashu Twinkle.

His popular tracks included Bhari Court Mein Goli Maarenge, System, Jaat Jatni and Riflein. He had also built a sizeable digital following through his music and online content.

Baliyan was also active in public and political activities. He had shared the stage with farmer leader Rakesh Tikait and was preparing to contest the upcoming district panchayat elections.

The investigation into Baliyan’s murder is ongoing, with police working to identify the attackers and determine why the singer was targeted.