What first appeared to be a heartbreaking trekking accident at Pune’s famous Lohagad Fort has now emerged as an alleged murder conspiracy, with investigators claiming that a simple yet unusual detail—a man wearing a hoodie in 33-degree Celsius summer heat—became the turning point in solving the case.
Police allege that 26-year-old businessman Ketan Agarwal was murdered on June 18 in a carefully planned plot involving his fiancée Siya Goyal and 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary. The investigation, driven by CCTV footage, digital records and technical analysis, gradually transformed an accidental death inquiry into a criminal case.
A Hoodie That Raised Suspicion
Investigators reviewing CCTV footage from the ticket counter noticed Ketan and Siya entering Lohagad Fort together. However, another individual walking behind them immediately caught the attention of officers.
The man was dressed in shorts but had covered himself with a hoodie pulled low over his face, making identification difficult. He was also wearing a headset over the hood.
According to an investigating officer, “While investigating the case, we stumbled upon certain circumstances surrounding the incident that raised suspicion and prompted a deeper probe. We checked the CCTV cameras installed at the ticket counter of the fort, where we spotted Ketan and Siya walking together.”
The officer further said, “The man was wearing shorts and a hoodie. The front part of the hoodie was pulled so low that his face could not be seen. Additionally, the man was wearing a headset over the hoodie. In another footage clip, we noticed Siya suddenly looking back and, at the same time, the man in the hoodie suddenly sitting down.”
When investigators checked the weather records, they found the temperature was around 33 degrees Celsius, making the clothing choice highly unusual and worthy of further investigation.
Phone Left Behind, Internet Switched Off
Police claim that Chetan Chaudhary deliberately left his mobile phone at his workplace on the day of the incident to avoid location tracking and instead carried an employee’s phone.
Investigators also found that the internet connection linked to his phone remained switched off from around 7 am until 5:40 pm, adding to their suspicions.
To verify his whereabouts, police contacted everyone who had called Chetan that day. According to investigators, the callers confirmed that shop employees answered the calls instead of Chetan himself.
Accident Report Turned Into Murder Probe
According to police, the incident occurred when the group reached a section of Lohagad Fort overlooking a deep gorge.
Ketan reportedly fell nearly 400 feet into the valley. Siya immediately contacted Lonavala Rural Police and informed them that her fiancé had slipped while taking photographs near the edge, blaming strong winds and describing the incident as an accident.
An accidental death report was initially registered, and rescue teams recovered Ketan’s body the following day after a challenging operation in the rugged terrain.
Thousands of Calls Revealed a Hidden Connection
The investigation took a dramatic turn after officers examined call detail records and digital communication data.
Police say technical analysis revealed thousands of calls exchanged between Siya and Chetan over a long period, including several conversations lasting for hours.
According to an investigating officer, “We found thousands of calls exchanged between the two over an extended period, including several conversations lasting for hours.”
“The technical analysis established a close connection between the duo and pointed towards a well-thought-out conspiracy. We then examined photographs and social media profiles linked to Chaudhary. A comparison of those images with CCTV footage from the fort showing a hooded individual in the area helped police narrow their focus on him,” the officer added.
Wedding Plans and Alleged Conspiracy
Police said Ketan and Siya became engaged in February and were scheduled to marry in November at a palace venue in Udaipur.
However, investigators claim family members disclosed that Siya had previously expressed hesitation about the marriage and had even suggested postponing the wedding by a year.
Police also allege that Siya repeatedly encouraged Ketan to visit Lohagad Fort. Investigators claim she had taken him there on May 31 and again planned another visit on June 4, which did not happen after his mother intervened.
According to investigators, there was also an alleged attempt on June 14 in which Siya tried to push Ketan from a cliff, but he managed to hold onto a bush. Police claim she later blamed the incident on a snake and presented herself as having rescued him.
Police Claim Murder Was Planned
Investigators allege that the final plan was carried out on June 18 and that the motive was Siya’s alleged relationship with Chetan and her unwillingness to end the engagement by eloping.
According to the investigating officer, “During the interrogation, Chetan was asked why they did not consider running away and instead chose to eliminate Ketan. According to him, Siya was not in favour of calling off the engagement and eloping with Chetan, as she thought doing so would bring disrespect to her family.”
Police have concluded that Ketan Agarwal’s death was not an accidental fall but an alleged pre-planned murder. Both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary are currently in police custody, and investigators claim the two admitted their involvement during interrogation. The case remains under further investigation.
