The Pune Lohagad Fort murder case has taken a dramatic turn after investigators alleged that a 26-year-old businessman was murdered by his fiancée and her alleged lover during a trek that was initially believed to be a tragic accident. Police say a combination of CCTV footage, digital evidence, call records, and witness statements helped uncover what they describe as a carefully planned conspiracy behind the death of Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort near Lonavala on June 18.
Ketan Agarwal, a director and chief marketing officer of his family’s real estate and warehousing business, died after falling into a gorge while trekking with his fiancée, 20-year-old Siya Goyal. Authorities initially registered the incident as an accidental death after Goyal reportedly informed family members that Agarwal had slipped during the trek.
However, investigators now allege that the fall was not accidental. Police have arrested Siya Goyal and 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, accusing them of murder and criminal conspiracy. The case has drawn national attention due to the alleged planning involved, the social backgrounds of those accused, and the discovery of an extensive secret relationship that investigators believe provided the motive.
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How a Suspicious Figure in CCTV Changed the Investigation
A key breakthrough emerged when investigators reviewed surveillance footage from Lohagad Fort. Among the visitors captured on camera was a man dressed in a hoodie despite temperatures reaching approximately 33 degrees Celsius.
According to investigators, the individual appeared to be following Ketan Agarwal and Siya Goyal while attempting to conceal his identity. In one segment of footage, police observed Goyal looking behind her while the hooded man abruptly changed his behavior, further raising suspicion.
Authorities later identified the individual as Chetan Chaudhary through a combination of CCTV analysis, social media photographs, technical intelligence, and digital evidence. Investigators say this discovery prompted a deeper examination of the circumstances surrounding Agarwal’s death and eventually led them to what they describe as a premeditated murder conspiracy.
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Alleged Failed Attempts Before the Fatal Incident
Police claim the June 18 incident was not the first attempt on Agarwal’s life.
According to the investigation, Goyal had repeatedly encouraged Agarwal to visit Lohagad Fort in the weeks preceding his death. Officials allege that an earlier attempt occurred on June 14 when Agarwal was nearly pushed from a cliff but managed to save himself by grabbing a bush.
Investigators allege that when Agarwal questioned what had happened, Goyal claimed she had been reacting to the presence of a snake and was trying to protect him. Police are treating the incident as part of a broader pattern that culminated in the fatal trek four days later.
Authorities further allege that on the morning of June 18, Goyal met Chaudhary at a café in Pune, where they discussed plans related to the crime and identified potential locations along the fort route.
Later that day, Goyal and Agarwal began the trek while Chaudhary allegedly followed them from a distance. Police claim the two accused coordinated during the trek before Agarwal was pushed into the gorge.
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Secret Relationship and Digital Evidence Under Scrutiny
Investigators believe the motive behind the alleged murder was rooted in Goyal’s unwillingness to proceed with her arranged marriage to Agarwal and her relationship with Chaudhary.
The couple became engaged in February and were scheduled to marry later this year. Wedding preparations were reportedly already underway, with venues and celebrations being planned months in advance.
Police say their investigation uncovered extensive communication between Goyal and Chaudhary. Analysis of call detail records reportedly revealed 2,004 phone conversations between January and June, amounting to roughly 238 hours of discussion.
Investigators also claim the pair first met at a Diwali gathering last year and remained in frequent contact thereafter.
According to police, both suspects discussed their future together but allegedly chose not to break the engagement publicly. During questioning, investigators say Chaudhary stated that Goyal feared social stigma and family embarrassment if she called off the wedding and left with him.
Family members of the accused have disputed the allegations. Chaudhary’s father has publicly maintained his son’s innocence and alleged that he is being falsely implicated.
Expert Analysis / What This Means
The Pune Lohagad Fort murder case highlights how modern criminal investigations increasingly rely on digital forensics rather than eyewitness testimony alone. Investigators were able to connect surveillance footage, call records, social media evidence, and movement patterns to reconstruct events that initially appeared accidental.
The case also raises broader questions about family pressure, arranged marriages, and the consequences of unresolved personal conflicts. If the prosecution’s allegations are proven in court, the incident could become one of the most high-profile examples of an alleged relationship-driven conspiracy in recent years.
For law enforcement agencies, the investigation demonstrates the growing importance of data analytics and technical intelligence in uncovering hidden motives. The discovery of thousands of phone calls played a crucial role in establishing the alleged relationship between the accused.
The case may also influence how authorities evaluate accidental deaths in remote tourist and trekking locations. Investigators are increasingly likely to examine digital trails before closing such cases.
As the legal process unfolds, the matter will be closely watched for its implications on criminal investigations involving digital evidence, conspiracy allegations, and interpersonal relationships.
Timeline of Events
- February 2026: Ketan Agarwal and Siya Goyal become engaged.
- May 31: Couple visits Lohagad Fort.
- June 14: Police allege a failed attempt to push Agarwal from a cliff.
- June 18 (Morning): Investigators say Goyal and Chaudhary met in Pune before the trek.
- June 18 (Afternoon): Agarwal dies after falling into a gorge at Lohagad Fort.
- Post-Incident: Death initially recorded as an accident.
- Investigation Phase: CCTV footage and digital evidence identify Chaudhary.
- June 2026: Both accused are arrested and charged with murder and conspiracy.
Why This Matters
Beyond the criminal allegations, the case underscores the role technology now plays in modern policing. What began as an apparent trekking accident evolved into a homicide investigation because of surveillance footage and digital communication records.
The incident has also sparked discussion about relationship dynamics, family expectations, and the pressures surrounding marriage decisions in affluent social circles. As prosecutors build their case and the defense challenges the allegations, the investigation is likely to remain under intense public scrutiny.
For now, authorities continue to examine evidence while the accused face charges under provisions related to murder and criminal conspiracy. The courts will ultimately determine whether the allegations presented by investigators can be proven beyond reasonable doubt.