Fiancée and lover arrested for Lohagad trek murder
Pune police have arrested Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary for the murder of businessman Ketan Agarwal, Goyal's fiancé. Initially reported as a trekking accident at Lohagad Fort, the investigation revealed a conspiracy, with the accused allegedly pushing Agarwal off a cliff. The couple had explored multiple locations and rehearsed the murder before executing the plan.
Key Highlights
- Fiancée and lover arrested for Ketan Agarwal's murder.
- Trek to Lohagad Fort staged as a murder ruse.
- Couple explored multiple locations before finalizing Lohagad Fort.
- Accused had allegedly rehearsed the murder.
- Planned wedding was scheduled for November.
- Investigation uncovered digital footprints of extensive planning.
The shocking murder of Ketan Agarwal, a 26-year-old real estate businessman from Pune, initially reported as a tragic accident during a trek at Lohagad Fort, has taken a dramatic turn with the arrest of his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary. The Pune Rural Police have accused the couple of orchestrating a meticulously planned murder.
Investigations revealed that Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary were in a relationship and viewed Ketan Agarwal as an obstacle to their future together. The couple allegedly conspired to eliminate Agarwal, staging his death to appear as an accidental fall during a trek. The motive appears to stem from their desire to continue their relationship and avoid the upcoming marriage.
Prior to the murder, the accused conducted extensive planning. This included exploring multiple locations for the crime, such as Tiger Point in Lonavala and Visapur Fort, before finalizing Lohagad Fort. They also allegedly rehearsed the act of pushing someone off a cliff at an open space near a club in Pune's Lullanagar area. Furthermore, the duo allegedly researched methods of murder, including poisoning and how to avoid detection, and watched crime movies for inspiration. Digital evidence, including phone records showing over 2,000 calls and 238 hours of conversation between Siya and Chetan, and their internet search history, have played a crucial role in uncovering the conspiracy.
Siya Goyal had allegedly derailed their planned pre-wedding shoot in Bali by misplacing Ketan's passport, an act investigators believe was intended to cancel the trip and set the stage for the murder. There are also allegations that Siya had made at least one prior attempt on Ketan's life at Lohagad Fort on June 14, where he allegedly survived after falling but catching onto a bush. She reportedly covered this up by claiming she pushed him to save him from a snake.
On June 18, the day of the murder, Siya Goyal took Ketan Agarwal to Lohagad Fort under the pretext of celebrating her birthday. Chetan Chaudhary was allegedly present at the location. According to the police, Siya may have used a pre-arranged signal to indicate Chetan to push Ketan off the cliff. The exact sequence of who delivered the fatal push remains uncertain, with investigators stating that both acted in concert.
Following the incident, Siya Goyal reported that Ketan had slipped and fallen while taking photographs. However, suspicions were raised by Ketan's family, particularly his father, Vishal Agarwal, whose persistent doubts prompted a thorough police investigation. This led to the arrest of both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary on June 23, 2026. They have been remanded to police custody as the investigation continues, with authorities exploring all aspects of the conspiracy.
The case highlights a calculated plot involving extensive planning, reconnaissance, rehearsals, and the manipulation of a celebratory occasion to conceal a sinister motive. The arrests and ongoing investigation underscore the complexities of modern criminal investigations, relying heavily on digital forensics, psychological profiling, and the careful reconstruction of events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the main accused in the Ketan Agarwal murder case?
The main accused are Ketan Agarwal's fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary.
Where did the murder take place?
The murder took place at Lohagad Fort near Pune, Maharashtra, India.
What was the initial cause of death reported?
Initially, Ketan Agarwal's death was reported as an accidental fall during a trek.
What was the alleged motive for the murder?
The alleged motive was that Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary were in a relationship and viewed Ketan Agarwal as an obstacle to their future together.
What evidence led to the arrests?
Evidence included digital footprints of extensive planning, phone records, CCTV footage, inconsistencies in statements, and prior attempts on the victim's life.