SHAMLI: Two sharpshooters involved in the murder of popular Haryanvi singer Ankit Baliyan were gunned down in a police encounter in the industrial area here on Monday morning. The slain accused, identified as Sumit and Mohit, were carrying rewards of Rs 50,000 each. Police said both belonged to the Gogi gang and were residents of Sonipat.According to officials, the duo had fled towards Loni via Baghpat after Baliyan’s murder. On Monday morning, while trying to reach Sonipat through the industrial area, they were surrounded by a police team. The criminals opened fire on the police party, forcing the cops to retaliate. Both accused were injured in the exchange and later declared dead at the hospital. Two policemen were also injured in the firing.SP Narendra Pratap Singh confirmed that the deceased were part of the gang that murdered Ankit Baliyan. Weapons and other incriminating material were recovered from the spot. Officials said more than 20 bullets hit the two accused during the encounter.Police investigations have revealed that four shooters were involved in the murder. With Sumit and Mohit neutralised, teams have intensified the hunt for the remaining two — Satyam and Aryan — and are conducting raids at their possible hideouts.Following Baliyan’s killing, police had analysed CCTV footage and other evidence to track the shooters. Intelligence inputs indicated their movement towards Baghpat and Loni, after which surveillance was stepped up on likely escape routes. The encounter took place during this intensified search operation early on Monday.
