Pune Businessman Ketan Agarwal Murder: Police Allege Fiancée and Her Friend Plotted Lohagad Fort Killing
Court Sends Fiancée and Co-Accused to Seven-Day Police Custody; Father Questions Why Wedding Wasn’t Simply Called Off
What was initially believed to be a tragic trekking accident at Maharashtra’s historic Lohagad Fort has turned into one of the state’s most sensational murder investigations. Police now allege that 26-year-old businessman Ketan Vishal Agarwal was deliberately pushed into a deep gorge by his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her friend Chetan Chaudhary, who investigators claim were in a relationship and conspired to eliminate him before the wedding.
Pune Court Sends Accused to Police Custody
A Pune magistrate has remanded Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary to seven days of police custody to allow investigators to examine the alleged conspiracy, collect digital evidence, verify call records, and reconstruct the events leading to Ketan’s death. Police have booked both accused for murder and criminal conspiracy.
From Accident to Alleged Murder
The incident occurred during a trek to Lohagad Fort, where Ketan and Siya had gone to celebrate her birthday. Initially, Siya reportedly informed police that Ketan had slipped while taking photographs near the edge of a cliff.
However, investigators began questioning the accident theory after finding inconsistencies in witness statements, mobile phone records, and CCTV evidence. Police now allege that Chetan was already waiting at the fort and that the meeting had been carefully planned. According to investigators, Siya allegedly gave a pre-arranged signal before Chetan pushed Ketan into the gorge.
Police Probe Reveals Alleged Earlier Attempts
Investigators claim the killing was not spontaneous. According to the police investigation, there were multiple earlier attempts to kill Ketan at the same fort.
One alleged attempt reportedly failed when Ketan survived after grabbing vegetation during a fall. Investigators also believe another planned visit was cancelled before the alleged murder was finally carried out during the June trek. These allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation and will ultimately be tested in court.
Relationship Under Investigation
Police allege that Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary had been in a relationship for several months before the incident. Investigators believe the accused viewed Ketan as an obstacle to their future together and therefore planned his death.
The prosecution’s version is based on call records, electronic evidence, witness statements, and the accused’s alleged disclosures during interrogation. Defence counsel has not yet presented its full response before the trial court.
Father’s Emotional Question
Speaking publicly after the arrests, Ketan’s father, Vishal Agarwal, expressed disbelief over the alleged motive.
He questioned why the marriage was not simply cancelled if Siya did not wish to proceed, saying that the families could have accepted such a decision instead of losing a son’s life. He also stated that his family had initially hesitated about the marriage proposal but eventually agreed after repeated requests from Siya’s family.
Lavish Wedding Plans End in Tragedy
According to investigators, Ketan and Siya were scheduled to marry later this year. Preparations for an elaborate destination wedding were reportedly already underway, with significant arrangements made for family members and guests.
The contrast between those wedding plans and the subsequent murder allegations has intensified public attention on the case.
Key Questions Before Investigators
Police are now focusing on several critical issues:
- Whether the murder was planned weeks in advance.
- Whether additional individuals assisted in the alleged conspiracy.
- The complete digital trail between the accused.
- Whether financial or other motives played any role beyond the alleged relationship.
- The exact sequence of events leading to Ketan’s fatal fall.
Key Facts
- Victim: Ketan Vishal Agarwal, Pune businessman
- Location: Lohagad Fort, Pune district, Maharashtra
- Accused: Fiancée Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary
- Charges: Murder and criminal conspiracy
- Court Order: Seven-day police custody granted
- Police Theory: Ketan was allegedly pushed into a gorge as part of a pre-planned conspiracy
- Investigation: Ongoing, with forensic, electronic, and witness evidence under examination.
What Happens Next?
Police are expected to continue questioning the accused, analyze digital devices, and gather forensic evidence before filing a detailed chargesheet. As with all criminal cases, the allegations remain subject to judicial scrutiny, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
