What was initially treated as an accidental fall at Maharashtra’s Lohagad Fort has now turned into a suspected murder case involving a Pune-based businessman, his fiancee and her alleged lover. Police have arrested Siya Goyal and Chetan Babulal Chaudhary after an investigation into the death of 26-year-old Ketan Agarwal uncovered what officers described as a planned conspiracy.
Ketan’s father, Vishal Agarwal, has alleged that an earlier attempt to kill his son had also taken place at the same fort just four days before his death.
Father Alleges Earlier Attempt on Ketan Agarwal’s Life
According to Vishal Agarwal, his son Ketan survived an earlier incident at Lohagad Fort on June 14 when Siya Goyal allegedly pushed him during a visit to the site.
Describing the sequence of events, Vishal Agarwal said Ketan managed to save himself by holding onto a bush after slipping backward.
“On June 14, they both went to the fort alone, and Siya pushed Ketan. After the push, Ketan grabbed a bush and escaped. Fearing the secret would be revealed, Siya shouted ‘snake, snake’,” Vishal Agarwal said.
He further claimed that after Ketan regained consciousness and realised he had been pushed, Siya attempted to divert attention by warning him about a snake before hugging him.
“And then, on June 14, she went to Lohagad. They were both alone at that time. She pushed Ketan. After being pushed, Ketan slipped backwards, and escaped by grabbing hold of a bush. He then began to regain consciousness, realising that he had been pushed and that he had survived. Siya immediately shouted, ‘snake, snake’ and went and hugged him,” he added.
Read also: Pune Techie Kills Himself in the Office Bathroom While Using a Cell Phone Charger
Missing Passport Incident Before Planned Bali Trip
Vishal Agarwal also spoke about an incident involving a missing passport before a planned pre-wedding trip to Bali.
According to him, the couple had reached the airport along with others, but Ketan’s passport could not be found.
“When they arrived at the airport, everyone’s passports were there, but Ketan’s passport was missing. It seemed as if it had fallen somewhere. They tried to search for it, but the passport was nowhere to be found. Therefore, they returned. After returning, on the third or fourth day, she quarrelled with him again, arguing that they had to go to Lohagad Fort,” he said.
Ketan Agarwal Died After Falling Into Gorge
Ketan Agarwal, a resident of Gahunje in Pune district, died on June 18 after falling nearly 400 feet into a gorge near Lohagad Fort.
He was a director in his family-run real estate business.
Lohagad Fort, associated with the history of Maratha empire founder Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is among the 12 forts in Maharashtra recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Initially, the incident was recorded as an accidental death after Siya reportedly informed Lonavala rural police that Ketan had slipped during an outing at the hill fort amid strong winds.
Police Investigation Turned Suspicion Towards Murder
As investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the fall, police reportedly found several aspects suspicious.
On Tuesday, police arrested Siya Goyal and her alleged lover, 22-year-old Chetan Babulal Chaudhary, a resident of Kondhwa in Pune, on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill of Pune rural said investigators explored several angles, including personal relationships and financial disputes.
According to police findings, Siya and Chetan were allegedly in a relationship and viewed Ketan as an obstacle.
Read also: Pune Lift Horror- 7 Year Old Boy Dies After Being Trapped Inside Elevator
Alleged Conspiracy to Kill Ketan
Police said the accused allegedly planned the murder together.
Investigators claimed Siya took Ketan to Lohagad Fort under the pretext of an outing, while Chetan was allegedly called to the location later.
According to police, the two then pushed Ketan off the fort.
Officials from the local crime branch initially detained Chetan based on suspicion. During questioning, he reportedly disclosed details of the alleged conspiracy, following which Siya was arrested.
“Following a complaint lodged by Ketan’s father, Vishal Agarwal, the Lonavala rural police registered a case of murder and criminal conspiracy under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on Tuesday,” Superintendent Gill said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Wedding Preparations Were Underway
Ketan Agarwal and Siya Goyal were scheduled to get married later this year.
According to the report, both families had already made extensive arrangements for the wedding ceremony, including booking a palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
The development has shocked relatives and those familiar with the couple, particularly because preparations for the wedding were already underway.
A versatile writer mainly works on trending news, daily updates from politics, business, crime, current affairs and entertainment.
