What initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident at Lohagad Fort near Pune has now been described by police as a planned murder. Investigators say CCTV footage, technical evidence, and interrogation findings revealed that businessman Ketan Agarwal was allegedly killed in a conspiracy involving his fiancée Siya Goyal and her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary.
Police stated on June 24, 2026, that unusual observations from surveillance footage played a crucial role in exposing the alleged plot behind the 26-year-old’s death.
CCTV Footage Triggered Suspicion During Investigation
According to police, the breakthrough came while reviewing CCTV footage recorded at the ticket counter of Lohagad Fort.
Investigators observed Ketan Agarwal and his fiancée Siya Goyal walking together. While closely examining the footage, they noticed another man following them from a short distance.
A police officer involved in the investigation said that the individual was dressed in shorts and a hoodie, with the front of the hoodie pulled low enough to conceal his face. The man was also wearing a headset over the hoodie.
The officer further noted that another segment of footage showed Siya suddenly turning back while the hooded man abruptly sat down at the same moment.
Hoodie in Extreme Heat Raised Questions
Investigators later checked weather conditions at the time the footage was recorded on June 18 and found that the temperature was approximately 33 degrees Celsius.
Police found it unusual that someone would wear a hoodie in such hot weather. Combined with the man’s behavior, this observation prompted a more detailed investigation into Ketan’s death, which had initially been treated as an accidental fall.
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Death Initially Reported as a Trekking Accident
Ketan Agarwal died on June 18 after falling from a cliff at the historic Lohagad Fort.
The case was first registered as an accidental death. Police said Siya informed Ketan’s family that he had slipped while trekking.
However, investigators later identified the hooded individual as 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary and began examining possible links between him, Siya, and the incident.
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Planned Wedding and Emerging Concerns
Ketan and Siya became engaged in February and were scheduled to marry in November during a grand wedding ceremony in Udaipur. Police said a palace had already been booked for the event.
During the investigation, officers learned from Ketan’s uncle that Siya had previously expressed reservations about the marriage. She had reportedly asked whether the wedding could be postponed for a year.
Because Ketan’s family was grieving after his death, police were initially unable to conduct extensive inquiries. As information emerged from relatives, investigators began to scrutinize the circumstances more closely.
Repeated Requests to Visit Lohagad Fort
According to police, Ketan’s sister Sanjana and other family members told investigators that Siya had repeatedly encouraged Ketan to accompany her to Lohagad Fort before the fatal incident.
Police said Siya took Ketan to the fort on May 31. She again urged him to visit the location on June 4, but Ketan’s mother did not allow him to make the trip.
Investigators believe the repeated requests were significant to the case.
Alleged Earlier Attempt Before Fatal Incident
Police alleged that Siya and Chetan wanted to eliminate Ketan before he and Siya were scheduled to travel to Bali for a pre-wedding photoshoot.
That trip never took place because Ketan’s passport reportedly went missing before departure.
According to investigators, Siya again persuaded Ketan to visit Lohagad Fort on June 14.
A police officer alleged that during that visit, Siya attempted to push Ketan off a cliff. Ketan reportedly managed to save himself by grabbing a bush.
When he questioned what had happened, Siya allegedly claimed there was a snake and attempted to portray herself as having protected him, police said.
Technical Evidence Revealed Alleged Conspiracy
Following these developments, investigators expanded their probe and examined technical evidence, including call detail records and digital communication data.
Police said analysis of Siya’s phone records revealed extensive communication with a contact later identified as her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary.
Investigators found thousands of calls exchanged between the two over a prolonged period, including several conversations that lasted for hours.
According to police, the communication records established a close connection between the pair and suggested a carefully planned conspiracy.
Social Media and CCTV Comparison Identified Suspect
Investigators subsequently reviewed photographs and social media profiles associated with Chetan Chaudhary.
Police compared those images with footage showing the hooded man at Lohagad Fort and said the similarities helped direct attention toward him.
Based on technical evidence and intelligence gathered by the Lonavala Rural Police Station and the Local Crime Branch (LCB), police teams located and detained Chaudhary for questioning.
An officer involved in the investigation said that information obtained during interrogation helped investigators piece together what they described as a premeditated conspiracy involving Siya and Chetan.
Alleged Motive Behind the Crime
Police believe the motive was linked to Siya’s relationship with Chetan and her reluctance to proceed with her planned marriage to Ketan.
According to investigators, Chetan was questioned about why the pair allegedly did not choose to run away together instead of targeting Ketan.
Police said Chetan told investigators that Siya did not want to end the engagement and elope because she believed doing so would bring disrespect to her family.
Arrests and Charges
Police have arrested both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary. The two have been booked on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
About the Victim
Ketan Agarwal lived in Gahunje in Pune district and served as a director and chief marketing officer at Success Group, his family’s real estate business.
He had completed an MS in Entrepreneurship. Siya Goyal, according to police, held a commerce degree from a private college.
Conclusion
The investigation into Ketan Agarwal’s death evolved from what was first believed to be a fatal trekking accident into a murder case allegedly involving a carefully planned conspiracy. Police say surveillance footage, technical analysis, and interrogation findings ultimately led them to arrest Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary, both of whom now face charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
