Khap leaders set Oct 5 deadline to arrest remaining accused in Ankit Balyan murder case

Khap heads and Jat leaders have set October 5 as the deadline for the arrest of all remaining accused in the murder case of Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan.

Balyan khap head Naresh Tikait told reporters in Shamli that khap leaders met District Magistrate Alok Yadav and Superintendent of Police NP Singh on Saturday. During the meeting, they sought security for Balyan's family, employment for one member of the family and financial assistance.

Tikait said the khap leaders had given the administration until October 5 to arrest the remaining accused in the case.

He added that senior officers assured the delegation that the accused would be arrested soon.

Haryanvi singer Balyan was shot dead on August 26 after emerging from a gym in Shamli and walking towards his car. Police had earlier said that four assailants riding two motorcycles opened fire at him. Balyan sustained five gunshot wounds, including two to the head.

Police identified some of the accused on August 29. Two of them, Mohit and Sumit, were killed in a police encounter in Shamli on August 31. Police said Mohit had at least 14 criminal cases against him, while Sumit had one.  (with inputs from PTI)