Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: Hoodie-Clad Suspect in CCTV Footage Helped Police Uncover Alleged Lohagad Fort Murder Plot
Pune, June 24: What was initially believed to be a tragic accident at Lohagad Fort has now emerged as an alleged murder conspiracy, with Pune Rural Police claiming that a crucial clue in the form of a hoodie-wearing youth helped investigators crack the case.
Twenty-six-year-old Ketan Agarwal, a member of a prominent business family, died after falling into a gorge at Lohagad Fort near Pune on June 18. The incident was first registered as an accidental death, and sympathy largely centered around his fiancée, Siya Goyal, who was set to marry him within days.
However, according to Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gill, investigators began suspecting foul play after finding inconsistencies in Goyal’s statements during questioning.
As part of the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from routes leading to the fort and noticed a young man following the couple’s vehicle. Officers found his presence suspicious, particularly because he was wearing a hoodie despite the hot weather.
Further analysis of CCTV footage from areas around Lohagad Fort allegedly showed the same individual near the location where Agarwal fell into the gorge. Police later identified him as 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, who is alleged to have been in a relationship with Goyal.
According to police, the CCTV evidence helped establish a connection between Goyal and Chaudhary, prompting investigators to intensify their inquiry. During the course of the investigation, Goyal allegedly confessed to her involvement in the crime.
Police claim that Goyal was unhappy with her arranged marriage to Agarwal despite both families having finalized the alliance. Preparations for the wedding were reportedly underway on a grand scale, including bookings for a venue in Jaipur and special flight arrangements for guests.
Investigators allege that Goyal was involved in a relationship with Chaudhary and did not wish to proceed with the marriage. Police believe the duo conspired to eliminate Agarwal, whom they viewed as an obstacle to their relationship.
According to the investigation, Goyal and Agarwal first visited Lohagad Fort on May 31, where police suspect the murder plan may have been conceived. The couple allegedly returned to the fort on June 14 along with Chaudhary, but their first attempt to execute the plan was unsuccessful. Police claim the alleged conspiracy was finally carried out during another visit to the fort on June 18.
Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary have been arrested and remanded to police custody. Further investigation into the case is underway.
