What appeared to be a tragic accident during a trek at Pune’s Lohagad Fort has now turned into an alleged murder conspiracy involving a young woman and her lover. Investigators say a hooded figure caught on CCTV footage, thousands of phone calls and suspicious movements before the incident helped expose the alleged plot behind the death of 26-year-old businessman Ketan Agarwal.
Ketan died on June 18 after falling nearly 400 feet into a gorge at Lohagad Fort. Initially, police treated the incident as an accidental death after his fiancée, 20-year-old Siya Goyal, informed authorities that he had slipped while taking photographs near the valley amid strong winds.
However, as investigators pieced together the events leading up to his death, they discovered several details that raised suspicion and eventually transformed the case into a murder investigation.
Lohagad Fort Murder Case Cracked Through CCTV Clues
Police officials reviewing CCTV footage from the ticket counter at Lohagad Fort noticed an unidentified man following Ketan and Siya as they walked towards the trekking route.
The man’s appearance immediately caught investigators’ attention. Despite temperatures touching 33 degrees Celsius, he was wearing shorts, a hoodie pulled down to conceal his face and a headset placed over the hood.
Another clip reportedly showed Siya turning back while the hooded man suddenly sat down, seemingly trying to avoid being recognised.
Investigators later identified the man as 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, who allegedly shared a romantic relationship with Siya.
Thousands Of Calls Reveal Alleged Relationship
After identifying Chetan, police examined technical evidence, including phone records and social media activity.
According to investigators, Siya and Chetan had exchanged thousands of calls over an extended period. Several conversations reportedly lasted for hours, strengthening suspicions that the two were closely connected.
Officials believe Siya wanted to continue her relationship with Chetan but was unwilling to cancel her engagement with Ketan or elope because she feared it would bring embarrassment to her family.
Police said both Siya and Chetan later confessed to their involvement in the crime during questioning.
Phone Left Behind To Avoid Tracking
Investigators also found unusual activity related to Chetan’s mobile phone on the day of the incident.
Police claim he deliberately left his phone at his shop and carried an employee’s device instead. His internet connection allegedly remained switched off from 7 am until 5.40 pm, making it difficult for investigators to trace his movements.
People who called Chetan’s number that day reportedly told police that his shop workers answered the calls and that Chetan himself never spoke to them.
Officials believe these steps were taken to create an alibi and prevent authorities from tracking his location.
Earlier Visits To Lohagad Raise Questions
During the investigation, Ketan’s family members revealed that Siya had repeatedly insisted on visiting Lohagad Fort.
Police said she had taken Ketan there on May 31 and had planned another trip on June 4, but his mother stopped him from going.
Investigators further alleged that on June 14, Siya attempted to push Ketan from a cliff, but he managed to save himself by grabbing a nearby bush.
When questioned by Ketan, she allegedly claimed she had spotted a snake and portrayed herself as someone trying to save him.
Police believe the final plan was carried out on June 18.
According to investigators, Chetan did not arrive with the couple but followed them from a distance and joined them at a secluded point overlooking the gorge.
Officials allege that Ketan was pushed into the valley by Siya and Chetan, causing him to fall nearly 400 feet to his death.
After the incident, Siya contacted Lonavala Rural Police and stated that her fiancé had accidentally slipped while taking photographs.
Rescue teams recovered Ketan’s body from the gorge on June 19 after a difficult operation in the rugged terrain. He was later declared dead at a hospital.
The couple had become engaged in February and were reportedly planning a grand wedding in Udaipur in November, with a palace venue already booked.
With both accused currently in custody, investigators are continuing to examine the evidence surrounding what they describe as a carefully planned murder disguised as an unfortunate trekking mishap.
