Why Was Sia Goyal Not Handcuffed? Legal Rules Explained Amid Ketan Agarwal Murder Case
Why Was Sia Goyal Not Handcuffed? Legal Rules Explained Amid Ketan Agarwal Murder Case
27 June, 2026: A video showing the police custody of the accused in the Ketan Agarwal murder case has gone viral on social media, raising questions over why only one of the accused was handcuffed.
The video shows accused Chetan Chaudhary being escorted by Pune Rural Police with handcuffs, while co-accused Sia Goyal is seen without handcuffs. The visuals have prompted many social media users to question whether different rules were applied.
Why was Sia Goyal not handcuffed?
According to legal provisions and police guidelines, handcuffing an accused is not a routine practice. Courts have repeatedly ruled that handcuffs should be used only when there are specific security concerns, such as the possibility of escape, violence, or a threat to public safety.
In most situations, police are expected to avoid using handcuffs unless they can justify the need based on the circumstances of the case.
Rules regarding women accused
Police protocols also state that women accused should generally not be handcuffed. Handcuffs may be used only in exceptional circumstances when there is a clear security risk.
Similarly, individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 cannot ordinarily be handcuffed without prior permission from a court.
When can handcuffs be used?
Handcuffs may be used in cases involving serious offences such as organised crime, terrorism, murder, rape, human trafficking, arms-related offences, counterfeiting, or when an accused has a history of escaping custody or is considered highly dangerous.
Police may also require written approval from a court before using handcuffs while transporting an accused, producing them before a court, or taking them to a hospital.
Viral video sparks debate
The video has triggered widespread discussion online, with many questioning why Sia Goyal was not handcuffed. However, legal experts point out that not handcuffing an accused does not amount to a violation of procedure. The decision depends on the individual’s risk assessment and the legal guidelines governing police custody.
The investigation into the Ketan Agarwal murder case is continuing, and there is no official indication that Pune Rural Police deviated from the prescribed legal protocol while escorting the accused.
