What Is the Pune Fiancé Murder Case?

A weekend trip to the historic Lohagad Fort near Lonavala has turned into one of Maharashtra’s most shocking criminal cases of the year. What was first believed to be a tragic trekking accident is now being investigated as a carefully planned murder.

Police have arrested a 22-year-old woman and her male friend for allegedly conspiring to kill her 26-year-old fiancé by pushing him off the fort after attacking him.

The incident has sparked widespread debate over trust, relationships, and the chilling nature of the alleged crime.

Who Was the Victim?

The victim, Ketan Vishal Agarwal (26), was engaged to Siya Goyal in February 2026, and the couple was reportedly preparing for their wedding later this year.

According to family members, the wedding venue had already been booked at a palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and preparations were in full swing.

How Did the Incident Unfold?

On June 18, Ketan and Siya visited Lohagad Fort in Pune district.

A few hours later, Siya informed relatives and police that Ketan had accidentally slipped from the fort and died after falling into a deep valley.

Based on the initial information, police registered an accidental death case and began routine inquiries.

Why Did Police Suspect Foul Play?

As investigators examined the case, several details did not match the accident theory.

Police found that Ketan was an experienced trekker who regularly visited forts and mountain trails, making an accidental fall under normal conditions appear unlikely.

His family also refused to believe the accident version and requested a detailed investigation.

These doubts prompted officers to analyze witness statements, technical evidence, and digital records.

How Was the Alleged Murder Plot Exposed?

According to police, the investigation revealed that Siya Goyal was allegedly in a relationship with Chetan Chaudhary, a young businessman whose shop was located near her family’s business in Pune’s Market Yard area.

Investigators claim the two had known each other for about a year and allegedly decided to eliminate Ketan because Siya did not want to marry him.

Police allege that Siya invited Ketan to Lohagad Fort while Chetan arrived separately on a motorcycle. Once at the location, the two allegedly attacked Ketan with an object before pushing him off the fort, making it appear like an accident.

What Did Ketan’s Family Say?

Ketan’s father expressed shock over the incident and questioned why the accused allegedly chose violence instead of simply calling off the marriage.

He said: “They got engaged in February. We were even planning an international trip, but Ketan couldn’t travel because his passport was stolen. If she didn’t want to get married, she could have simply refused. We would have cancelled the wedding immediately. Why did they decide to take such a drastic step?”

He also praised Pune Rural Police and Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill for quickly solving the case and arresting the accused.

What Have Police Said?

Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill said the circumstances surrounding the death appeared suspicious from the beginning.

Investigators explored multiple angles, including financial issues and personal relationships, before allegedly discovering evidence pointing toward a conspiracy.

Police claim Siya considered Ketan an obstacle to her relationship with Chetan and that both allegedly planned the murder together.

Which Charges Have Been Filed?

Following the investigation, Lonavala Rural Police registered a murder case against Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to murder and criminal conspiracy.

Both accused have been taken into custody and are being produced before the court as the investigation continues.

Why Has the Case Gone Viral?

The case has attracted nationwide attention because it transformed from what appeared to be a trekking accident into an alleged pre-planned murder involving an engaged couple.

The fact that the incident took place at the historic Lohagad Fort, a UNESCO-recognised Maratha-era fort associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has added to public interest.

As police continue their investigation, the case has raised serious questions about betrayal, premeditated crime, and the importance of thorough forensic investigation before concluding that a death is accidental.