Ketan Agarwal, the 26-year-old director of a prominent real estate firm in Pimpri Chinchwad, died after his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her lover allegedly pushed him into a 300-foot-deep gorge. Ketan Agarwal was posing for a photograph at Lohagad Fort near Lonavla and was about to get married next month.
What was initially reported as a tragic trekking accident at Lohagad Fort has now been registered as a case of murder. According to police, Ketan's family raised persistent doubts and it proved crucial in unravelling the truth.
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Lohagad fort incident takes tragic turn
According to a report in TOI, the Agrawal family raised suspicion over the theory of accident and pointed out that Ketan was an experienced trekker and familiar with the terrain. Family members informed police that the incident did not appear to be the result of an accidental slip. Following their concerns, investigators launched a detailed inquiry and officially registered a complaint.
Pune Rural Police Superintendent Sandeep Singh Gill said that findings from the investigation, including information from confidential sources, witness testimonies, and technical evidence, suggested that the death was not accidental. Investigators discovered that Siya Goyal had been in contact with a friend, Chetan Chaudhary, for nearly a year.
“During the course of investigation, it came to light that the two conspired to eliminate Agrawal. At Lohagad Fort, he was allegedly pushed, causing him to fall to his death,” Gill said.
According to police, Goyal and Chaudhary were later detained by officers from Lonavala Rural Police Station. During questioning, the duo allegedly admitted their involvement in the crime. A murder case has since been registered against them, and investigators are continuing to examine the timeline of events and the motive behind the alleged killing.
Officials noted that the case highlights the importance of family members raising concerns when circumstances appear unusual, as such intervention can lead to a more comprehensive investigation even when a death initially seems accidental.
Ketan Agarwal had recently returned from abroad after completing his postgraduate studies and had joined his father Vishal Agarwal's real estate business as a director. "His family members told us that a palace in Jaipur was booked for the wedding,” an officer had earlier told TOI.
What happened to Ketan Agrawal?
Ketan Agarwal went trekking to Lohagad with his fiancée Siya Goyal on Thursday, June 18, to celebrate her birthday. He had planned a future with her and the couple was set to marry in November.
Initially, the fianceé told police that Ketan slipped and fell into the valley while posing for photos. Mobile data, call records, and statements from people at the spot raised suspicion. It has now come to light that fiancée Siya and her lover, Chetan Chaudhry, allegedly pushed Ketan into the deep valley.
His wedding was scheduled for November in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The families had booked a palace in Jaipur for Rs 17 crore and arranged two private planes to fly guests, reports said.
