What initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident near Pune has turned into a murder investigation, with police alleging a conspiracy involving 26-year-old Ketan Agarwal’s fiancée Siya Goyal and her alleged partner Chetan Chaudhary.
Ketan, the son of real estate businessman Vishal Agarwal and a director in his family’s construction firm, died after falling from Lohagad Fort near Lonavala on June 18. The incident was first reported as an accidental fall during a trek. However, a police investigation later claimed that the fall was not accidental but part of a planned crime.
According to investigators, Siya had informed police that Ketan lost his balance while trying to click photographs at the fort and fell into a 400-foot-deep gorge. Rescue teams recovered his body, following which an accidental death case was registered.
However, Ketan’s family raised questions over the circumstances surrounding his death. As investigators examined call records, mobile data and statements from people connected to the case, they reportedly found inconsistencies that shifted the direction of the probe.
Police later arrested Siya and Chetan, alleging that the two had planned Ketan’s killing. They have been booked under charges related to murder and criminal conspiracy. The investigation is continuing to determine whether anyone else was involved.
Ketan’s death came just months before what was expected to be a grand wedding celebration. Belonging to an established business family in Pune district, Ketan was set to marry Siya later this year.
The families had reportedly made elaborate arrangements for the ceremony, including plans for a destination wedding in Rajasthan. Preparations were underway, and relatives described the families as excited about the upcoming marriage.
Siya, a commerce student who was also exploring a bakery venture, came from a family involved in the dry fruits business. On the surface, the alliance appeared to be a happy union between two business families.
But police claim there was another side to the story.
Investigators have alleged that Siya was in a relationship with Chetan Chaudhary, 22, and did not want to proceed with her marriage to Ketan.
According to police, the two allegedly decided to eliminate Ketan and planned the crime together.
Pune Rural Police officials said their investigation suggested that Siya took Ketan to Lohagad Fort on the day of the incident. Police allege that Chetan was already present at the location and that both were involved in pushing Ketan from the cliff.
The allegations are part of the police investigation, and the accused have been taken into custody.
Investigators have also looked into events before Ketan’s death, including a planned pre-wedding trip to Bali.
The couple was reportedly scheduled to travel to Mumbai before flying abroad for a pre-wedding photoshoot. Police claim the trip was cancelled after Ketan’s passport went missing at the airport.
According to investigators, Siya allegedly hid the passport to prevent the trip from taking place. Police are examining whether this was part of a larger plan.
Officials have also claimed that Siya and Ketan visited Lohagad Fort on previous occasions before June 18, but the alleged plan could not be executed during those visits.
The case has attracted attention because of the contrast between the planned wedding celebrations and the allegations that emerged later.
Police say the initial version of an accidental fall did not match the evidence collected during the investigation. Digital records, witness statements and other evidence reportedly led investigators towards a conspiracy angle.
The police are continuing their probe, while the accused remain in custody.
A relationship that was expected to culminate in a wedding has instead become the centre of a criminal investigation, leaving two families facing a tragedy they never anticipated.