Ujjwal Nikam Appointed Special Prosecutor in Lohagad Fort Murder Case
Renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has been appointed as the Special Public Prosecutor in the sensational Ketan Agarwal murder case, where the Pune realtor was allegedly pushed to his death from Lohagad Fort. The appointment by the Maharashtra government followed a plea from the victim's family, seeking a fast-track trial. Police have arrested Ketan's fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary, in connection with the crime.
Key Highlights
- Ujjwal Nikam to lead prosecution in high-profile Lohagad Fort murder case.
- Victim Ketan Agarwal, a Pune realtor, was allegedly murdered at Lohagad Fort.
- Fiancée Siya Goyal and her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary arrested for conspiracy.
- Maharashtra government approved fast-track trial after family's request.
- Police allege Siya Goyal sought to avoid marriage with Ketan Agarwal.
- Investigation revealed multiple alleged murder attempts and elaborate planning.
In a significant development in the high-profile Ketan Agarwal murder case, the Maharashtra government has officially appointed veteran Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to lead the prosecution. This decision came on June 26, 2026, following a direct appeal from the victim's father, Vishal Agarwal, to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting both a fast-track trial and Nikam's expertise in the case. Nikam, renowned for handling high-profile cases like the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has reportedly consented to take on the responsibility, acknowledging the case's profound impact.
The case revolves around the alleged murder of 25-year-old (some reports mention 26-year-old) Pune-based realtor Ketan Agarwal, who tragically died after falling from a cliff at Lohagad Fort near Lonavala, Pune district, on June 18, 2026. Initially treated as an accidental death, police investigations swiftly unveiled a premeditated murder conspiracy. Ketan's fiancée, 20-year-old Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, have been arrested and charged with murder and criminal conspiracy.
According to police investigations, Siya Goyal was unwilling to proceed with her arranged marriage to Ketan Agarwal, as she was allegedly in a relationship with Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators allege that Siya viewed Ketan as an obstacle to her relationship with Chetan and did not wish to elope, fearing it would bring disrepute to her affluent family and result in a loss of her privileged lifestyle. This motive drove the alleged conspiracy to eliminate Ketan.
The police probe has revealed an elaborate plot, including multiple alleged attempts to murder Ketan. It is claimed that Siya and Chetan had previously visited Lohagad Fort to 'rehearse' the murder and identify a 'dead point' on the cliff, ensuring a fatal fall. An earlier alleged attempt on May 31, 2026, saw Siya reportedly try to push Ketan, who survived by grabbing a bush; Siya allegedly covered it up by claiming to save him from a snake. Another planned attempt on June 14 reportedly failed. Investigators also noted suspicious circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the couple's pre-wedding photoshoot in Bali due to Ketan's mysteriously missing passport, which his family suspects Siya deliberately hid.
On the day of the incident, June 18, 2026, police allege that Siya Goyal used a predetermined signal, by sitting down, for Chetan Chaudhary to push an unsuspecting Ketan Agarwal off the cliff. Chetan had reportedly traveled to the fort on a scooter and wore a hoodie to avoid detection. Post-arrest, both Siya and Chetan have allegedly confessed to the crime.
The related articles provided context about the alleged motive. While 'Behind Siya Goyal-Ketan Agarwal Matchmaking, Role Of "Mittal Family" In Focus' from NDTV suggests involvement of a 'Mittal Family' in matchmaking, this detail has not been extensively corroborated in the current real-time search results regarding the murder investigation itself. The second article, 'Kill Ketan, buy time: Siya Goyal wanted 3 more years before marriage, say cops' from India Today, aligns with the police's stated motive that Siya did not wish to marry Ketan and sought to avoid the commitment, although the exact phrase '3 more years' is not universally quoted by police in the current snippets, the sentiment is consistent with investigative findings.
The appointment of Ujjwal Nikam underscores the gravity and public interest in the case, with Chief Minister Fadnavis also directing the establishment of a fast-track court to ensure timely justice for the victim's family. The police investigation continues, including examining deleted digital evidence from the accused's phones.
This case has garnered significant media attention across India, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the tragic consequences of alleged criminal intent. The victim's family is pushing for the harshest possible punishment, including the death penalty, for the accused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ujjwal Nikam and what is his role in this case?
Ujjwal Nikam is a highly respected and experienced Special Public Prosecutor in India, known for handling high-profile cases like the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He has been appointed by the Maharashtra government as the Special Public Prosecutor in the Ketan Agarwal murder case at Lohagad Fort.
What is the Lohagad Fort murder case about?
The Lohagad Fort murder case involves the alleged killing of 25-year-old Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal, who died after being pushed from a cliff at Lohagad Fort on June 18, 2026. Police investigations suggest it was a pre-planned murder.
Who are the accused in the Ketan Agarwal murder case?
The prime accused in the Ketan Agarwal murder case are his fiancée, Siya Goyal (20), and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary (22). They have been arrested on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
What was the alleged motive behind Ketan Agarwal's murder?
Police allege that Siya Goyal did not wish to marry Ketan Agarwal and was in a relationship with Chetan Chaudhary. She allegedly viewed Ketan as an obstacle and conspired with Chetan to kill him, reportedly to avoid upsetting her family by calling off the engagement or eloping.
Has a fast-track trial been ordered for this case?
Yes, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the victim's family's request for a fast-track trial in the Ketan Agarwal murder case to ensure speedy justice.