Pune: What first looked like a tragic trekking accident at Lohagad Fort near Pune has now turned into a chilling murder investigation, with police arresting 26-year-old Ketan Agarwal’s fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary.
Ketan, a Pune-based real estate professional, died on June 18 after falling into a gorge during a trek with Siya. She initially told police that he slipped while posing for photographs. Investigators now allege that Siya and Chetan pushed him to his death and attempted to pass off the killing as an accident.
The case has drawn widespread attention not only because of the alleged planning behind the crime, but also because Ketan and Siya were engaged and preparing to marry later this year. Their families had reportedly begun elaborate wedding arrangements, including booking a palace in Rajasthan’s Udaipur at a cost of around Rs 17 crore and arranging two private planes to fly guests.
Who Was Ketan Agarwal?
Ketan Agarwal was the director and Chief Marketing Officer of Success Group, a family-run real estate business based in Pune. A resident of Gahunje in Pune district, he was seen as part of a young generation of business leaders in the city’s fast-growing real estate sector.
He had completed a Master of Science degree in Entrepreneurship from the Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business and also held a BBA degree from Symbiosis University.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Ketan was interested in sustainability and innovation, and wanted to focus on projects that could promote economic growth while contributing to a greener future. In a city where real estate often races ahead faster than traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, his stated focus on greener development stood out.
Sister’s Suspicion Helped Shift The Probe
According to police sources cited in reports, a major breakthrough came after Ketan’s funeral, when Siya visited his family home. During the interaction, Ketan’s sister reportedly questioned Siya about the events that led to his fall.
Her answers, police sources said, appeared inconsistent. The family then alerted investigators, refusing to accept the accident theory at face value.
Police later examined CCTV footage, phone records and digital evidence. Investigators found that Siya and Chetan had allegedly been in contact for years and had spoken thousands of times between January and June this year. Reports said their calls during that period added up to 238 hours.
The Hoodie That Raised Questions
One of the most striking clues, according to investigators, came from CCTV footage showing a man in a hoodie following Ketan and Siya around Lohagad Fort despite the June heat.
Police found the clothing unusual enough to examine the footage more closely. The man was later identified as Chetan Chaudhary, investigators said.
Police also allege that Chetan had taken steps to avoid detection. His internet activity was reportedly off for much of the day, and he allegedly left his own phone at his shop to avoid location tracking while carrying another phone.
But the effort to remain unnoticed appears to have been undone by the hoodie — a wardrobe choice that investigators found too conspicuous for a hot June day.
Police Probe Earlier Alleged Attempts
Investigators are also examining whether there were earlier failed attempts to harm Ketan before the June 18 incident.
In one alleged attempt, Siya is suspected to have tried to push Ketan while pretending to save him from a snake. Police are also looking into other circumstances that may have prevented earlier plans from being carried out.
Reports further said investigators are examining an episode involving a planned Bali trip for a pre-wedding shoot. Siya allegedly sabotaged the trip by taking away or damaging Ketan’s passport, a detail police believe may help establish the nature of the relationship and the alleged conspiracy.
Wedding Preparations Had Already Begun
The allegations have stunned both families because the wedding was already being planned. Ketan and Siya were engaged and expected to marry later this year.
Their families had reportedly made extensive arrangements, including a luxury venue booking in Udaipur and private aircraft for guests. Those plans have now become part of the broader background to a case that has moved from a suspected accident to a murder investigation.
Police have arrested Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary, and further investigation is underway.
For Ketan’s family, the case is no longer only about how he died, but about whether a carefully constructed story nearly buried the truth with him. What began as a fall at a historic fort has now become a grim reminder that in criminal investigations, the smallest inconsistency — even a hoodie in the heat — can change everything.
