Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Karnal Killing and Encounter Ignite Caste and Gang Tensions
A young man named Biru Balmiki was shot and killed in Karnal on August 5.
Police said they quickly identified two alleged shooters, Harsh and Birbal.
Police killed both men in an encounter two days later.
Biru’s family and Balmiki leaders say the police action was justified.
Harsh’s family and members of the Ror community say the encounter may have been staged.
They want an independent investigation instead of the government-appointed SIT.
Another man, Vansh Sharma, has allegedly claimed responsibility for Biru’s killing online.
He has also allegedly threatened Biru’s friend, who is now receiving police protection.
The case has become connected to arguments about caste, gang rivalry, politics and the glorification of crime online.
Biru Balmiki, 25, was shot dead while riding his Scooty on Karnal’s Hansi Road on August 5.
Police killed alleged shooters Harsh and Birbal in an encounter two days later, on August 7.
The Ror community says the encounter was staged and is demanding a CBI or High Court-monitored investigation.
Balmiki leaders and Biru’s family support the police action, while seeking the arrest of alleged mastermind Vansh Sharma.
The dispute has fueled protests, caste tensions and political accusations across Karnal and nearby districts.
- Who
- Biru Balmiki was killed; police identified Harsh and Birbal as alleged shooters; Vansh Sharma is alleged to have organized or claimed responsibility for the killing.
- What
- A murder, a subsequent police encounter and competing demands for an independent investigation have triggered protests and tensions between caste groups.
- When
- Biru was killed on August 5; Harsh and Birbal were killed by police on August 7; protests and a Ror mahapanchayat followed, including events on August 16.
- Where
- Karnal, Haryana, particularly Hansi Road; the dispute has also affected nearby areas including Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Sonipat and western Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- The conflict began after a reported online feud over who was the “baap” or godfather of Karnal and escalated after Biru’s killing and the disputed encounter.
Police Account and Encounter Supporters
Ror Protesters and Harsh’s Family
Who carried out the killing
Police Account and Encounter Supporters
Police say their investigation, CCTV footage and statements attributed to Yogesh Kapoor linked Harsh and Birbal to the shooting, while Sharma allegedly arranged weapons.
Ror Protesters and Harsh’s Family
Harsh’s family and Ror leaders question the quality of the CCTV footage and say there is no concrete evidence proving Harsh’s involvement.
Whether the encounter was justified
Police Account and Encounter Supporters
Biru’s father and cousin say the police action was justified, arguing that anyone who killed someone would have faced the same fate.
Ror Protesters and Harsh’s Family
Ror leaders describe the encounter as staged or inconsistent and say the state may have acted under public pressure.
What investigation is needed
Police Account and Encounter Supporters
The government’s SIT is investigating the case, while police continue pursuing people named in the murder case.
Ror Protesters and Harsh’s Family
Ror protesters demand a CBI or sitting High Court judge-led probe and want the Superintendent of Police transferred during the investigation.
- Victim
- Biru Balmiki, 25, was shot in the head while riding a Scooty.
- Murder date
- August 5
- Encounter date
- August 7, when police killed alleged shooters Harsh and Birbal.
- Investigation dispute
- The Ror community rejects the government-appointed SIT and wants a CBI or sitting High Court judge-led probe.
- Additional arrest
- Yogesh Kapoor was arrested at Mumbai airport on August 16 after deportation from Dubai.
- Online allegations
- Vansh Sharma, also known as “Shooter Samana,” has allegedly claimed responsibility for Biru’s killing on Instagram.
- Police protection
- Biru’s friend and business partner Simpal Sethi was placed under police protection after alleged threats.