A Delhi court has directed authorities to produce two men accused in the murder of Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan before a court in Uttar Pradesh wearing bulletproof jackets, handcuffs, and leg shackles, following apprehensions that they could be eliminated in a staged encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police. The two accused, Yogesh alias Tunda and Deepak alias Teetar, are currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail in connection with another case. Apprehending danger to their lives during transit from Delhi to Shamli, they approached the Patiala House Court seeking special protective measures for their upcoming appearance before the Kairana court scheduled for November 12.
Accused Cite Staged Encounter Fears Before Delhi Court
The plea moved on behalf of Yogesh and Deepak came up for hearing through video conferencing on November 3 before Additional Sessions Judge-03 Saurabh Pratap Singh Laler. Defense counsel submitted that there was an imminent risk to the lives of the two accused while being transported between Tihar Jail and Shamli. Alleging that the Uttar Pradesh Police might target them in a fake encounter during transit, the lawyers requested special security cover along the entire route, mandatory videography of the transit proceedings, bulletproof protective gear, and the use of physical restraints including handcuffs and leg chains to prevent any manufactured pretext for police firing.
Court Directs Bulletproof Jackets And Strict Transit Security
Taking note of the submissions and evaluating the circumstances, the court allowed the plea and directed that both Yogesh and Deepak be transported to the Kairana court in handcuffs, leg shackles, and bulletproof vests. The court directed prison authorities and the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police to ensure foolproof security arrangements from the moment the accused leave Tihar Jail until their safe return after the hearing, emphasizing that all measures must be in place to avert any untoward incident. Copies of the judicial order were dispatched immediately to the jail superintendent and relevant police officers to ensure strict compliance. Shamli Kotwali Police Station In-Charge and investigating officer Mukesh Kumar confirmed that the accused are listed for appearance on November 12, adding that Delhi Police personnel will escort them to the Kairana court.
The Murder Case And Investigation So Far
The case relates to the killing of Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan, a native of Bantikheda village, who was shot dead on the evening of August 26 along the Aryapuri drain embankment in Shamli. Five days after the daylight shooting, two suspects carrying bounties of Rs 50,000 each, identified as Sumit and Mohit, were killed in an encounter with the police. Investigators later arrested Rohit alias Ladla, a resident of Sonipat, on charges of criminal conspiracy. According to police, shooters Satyam Kadiyan and Aryan Sandhu, along with the alleged prime conspirator from the Gogi gang, Rahul alias Bholu Shahpuria, remain absconding, while Yogesh alias Tunda and Deepak alias Teetar face charges for their alleged role in plotting the murder.
