What initially appeared to be an accidental fall has now been reclassified as a murder case following what investigators describe as confessional statements and circumstantial evidence pointing to a deliberate act.
Alleged Incident at Lohagad Fort
According to police, Ketan Agarwal died after falling from a cliff during a visit to Lohagad Fort. Investigators allege that Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary pushed him off during a trek.
Authorities say the case gained traction after inconsistencies emerged in Siya’s account of the incident, along with suspicious behavioural patterns and multiple visits to the location prior to Ketan’s death.
Police also stated that Siya had insisted on visiting Lohagad Fort a second time on June 18, just a day before her birthday, during which the alleged crime took place.
Earlier Attempt and Suspicious Circumstances
Investigators claim that the couple had visited the same location four days earlier, during which Siya allegedly attempted to push Ketan off a cliff but failed. She reportedly attributed the incident to a snake sighting, which caused panic.
Additional clues cited by police include Ketan’s missing passport and a hoodie worn by the accused accomplice during the visit despite peak summer conditions, which allegedly raised suspicion during the investigation.
Relationship Background
Siya Goyal, a resident of Bibwewadi in Pune, belongs to a business family involved in the dry fruits trade. Ketan Agarwal, also from an affluent business background, was the director of a family-run real estate firm.
The two were engaged in February this year after being introduced through family connections, reportedly via Ketan’s maternal uncle.
Their wedding was scheduled to take place in Udaipur in November, with preparations already underway. Reports suggest that nearly ₹14 crore had been planned for the wedding celebrations.
However, police say Siya had been in a parallel relationship with Chetan Chaudhary for around a year. The two allegedly knew each other through business circles and had been in regular contact.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following Ketan’s death, Siya initially told authorities that he had slipped while taking photographs near the fort. However, investigators later stated that evidence contradicted this version of events.
Videos and social media activity related to pre-wedding celebrations have also surfaced, showing Ketan planning elaborate birthday arrangements for Siya just days before his death.
Ketan’s father, Vishal Agarwal, has claimed that his son had expressed concerns about Siya’s behaviour, but the family did not fully act on them at the time.
Charges and Arrest
Both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary have been arrested and booked under sections 103 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder and criminal conspiracy. They have been remanded to seven days of police custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities say further forensic and digital evidence is being examined to establish the sequence of events leading to Ketan Agarwal’s death.
