What initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident at Maharashtra’s Lohagad Fort has now taken a shocking turn. Pune Rural Police allege that 26-year-old realtor Ketan Agarwal’s death was not an accident but the result of a meticulously planned murder conspiracy involving his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged boyfriend, Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators claim the duo spent months planning the crime, attempting to erase their digital footprint and create a convincing cover story. However, according to police, their carefully crafted plan eventually collapsed under forensic analysis, CCTV evidence and contradictory statements.
The Alleged ‘Offline’ Plan
Police say the accused attempted to remain “offline” on the day of the incident to avoid detection. According to investigators, Chetan Chaudhary travelled to Lohagad Fort on a two-wheeler wearing a hoodie in an apparent effort to conceal his identity from CCTV cameras. However, investigators reportedly found his attire unusual given the extreme summer heat, prompting a closer review of surveillance footage. Police further allege that just hours before the incident, Siya and Chetan met at a nearby café where they discussed the terrain of the fort and identified an isolated location with a steep drop.
According to the investigation, once Ketan reached the selected spot during the trek, Siya allegedly signalled Chetan, who then attacked Ketan before pushing him into a 400-foot gorge. These allegations form part of the police case and will ultimately be tested in court.
Thousands of Calls Raise Suspicion
One of the strongest pieces of evidence cited by investigators is the extensive communication between the two accused.
Police claim that an examination of their mobile phones revealed 2,004 phone calls exchanged over six months, amounting to nearly 238 hours of conversation. Investigators believe these conversations were central to planning the alleged conspiracy and discussing multiple ways to stop Siya’s upcoming marriage to Ketan.
Police Allege Multiple Earlier Attempts
According to the investigation, the alleged murder was not an isolated act but the culmination of several failed attempts. Police claim the first opportunity arose shortly after the couple’s engagement in February. Another alleged attempt occurred during a Bali pre-wedding trip, when investigators say Siya destroyed Ketan’s passport, forcing him to cancel his travel plans. Authorities also allege that during another visit to Lohagad Fort on June 14, Siya attempted to push Ketan from a cliff, but he survived after grabbing onto nearby bushes. Police say she later explained the incident by claiming she had screamed after spotting a snake.
Investigation Uncovers Contradictions
The alleged accident immediately raised doubts because Ketan was known among family and friends as an experienced trekker. His family’s insistence that something was amiss prompted a deeper investigation. Police say Siya initially reported that Ketan slipped while taking photographs. However, during questioning, investigators claim both accused gave conflicting versions of events and later shifted blame onto one another.
Both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary are currently in police custody and have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for alleged murder and criminal conspiracy. The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against them are yet to be tested before a court of law.
