What was initially believed to be a tragic trekking accident has turned into one of Maharashtra's most sensational murder investigations. The death of 26-year-old Pune businessman Ketan Agrawal at the historic Lohagad Fort near Lonavala is now being treated as a premeditated murder, with police alleging that his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary, conspired to kill him after several failed attempts.
The case has shocked the nation because of the alleged betrayal and the meticulous investigation that transformed an accidental death inquiry into a murder case. The accused have denied the allegations, and the matter is now before the courts.
According to police, Ketan Agrawal visited Lohagad Fort with his fiancée on June 18. Authorities were initially informed that he had accidentally slipped while taking photographs near a cliff and fallen into a deep gorge. Rescue teams recovered his body, and the incident was first registered as an accidental death.
However, investigators soon noticed inconsistencies in the statements given by those present and launched a detailed inquiry. As police analysed CCTV footage, mobile phone records, location data, forensic evidence, and witness statements, they began suspecting that Ketan's death was not accidental.
Police allege that Siya Goyal had been in a relationship with Chetan Chaudhary while still engaged to Ketan. According to investigators, the two allegedly conspired to eliminate Ketan rather than end the engagement. Officials further claim that they had made multiple unsuccessful attempts to kill him before the incident at Lohagad Fort, where the alleged plan was finally carried out.
Investigators believe digital evidence played a crucial role in solving the case. Police reportedly reconstructed the sequence of events using mobile phone locations, CCTV footage, electronic communications, and forensic findings from the crime scene. While officials have not disclosed all the evidence collected, they maintain that the investigation points to a planned murder rather than an accidental fall.
Following the investigation, police arrested Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary on charges related to the alleged murder conspiracy. Both were produced before a Pune court, which remanded them to police custody for further interrogation. According to investigators, the accused allegedly gave differing versions of events during questioning while police continued to verify their statements through scientific and digital evidence.
The case has generated widespread public attention, with Ketan's family demanding strict action against those responsible. Family members said Ketan trusted his fiancée completely and was preparing for their wedding, making the alleged betrayal even more heartbreaking. They have urged authorities to ensure a speedy investigation and trial.
The Maharashtra government has also taken note of the high-profile case. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Ketan Agrawal's family and directed that the matter be heard in a fast-track court to ensure a swift trial. The government has appointed senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam as the Special Public Prosecutor, while the Maharashtra Assembly has called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to oversee a thorough probe.
Police continue to analyse electronic evidence, forensic reports, and witness testimonies as they prepare the chargesheet. Investigators have stated that the inquiry is still ongoing and that all allegations will ultimately be tested before the court.
The Ketan Agrawal murder case has emerged as one of Maharashtra's most closely watched criminal investigations, highlighting how modern forensic techniques and digital evidence can uncover the truth behind what initially appeared to be a tragic accident. As the legal proceedings continue, the courts will determine the guilt or innocence of the accused based on the evidence presented during the trial.
