India, Aug. 26 -- LUCKNOW Haryanvi singer and YouTuber, Ankit Balyan, 32, was shot dead outside a gym in UP's Shamli on Wednesday evening, allegedly by four armed assailants who fired around 18 rounds at him, said police.

Speculation was rife that Balyan was planning to contest upcoming panchayat polls, but there was no official confirmation from authorities or his associates immediately on it and if that could be the reason behind his killing.

The incident took place around 7pm near the Aryapuri drain embankment. Police said Balyan suffered five bullet injuries and was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Eyewitnesses told police that the attackers were waiting outside the gym and opened fire as Balyan came out and appr...