The death of a 26-year-old man at a historic fort in Pune has become one of India’s most closely watched criminal investigations, drawing widespread public attention and intense media coverage.
What initially appeared to be a tragic accident has now turned into a murder investigation after police arrested the victim’s fiancée and one of her friends. While investigators believe the death was planned, the accused have denied the allegations through their lawyers, and the case remains before the courts.
Death at Lohagad Fort Raises Questions
Ketan Agarwal died on 18 June after falling from Lohagad Fort, a popular tourist and trekking destination near Pune. He had visited the fort with his fiancée, Siya Goyal.
Authorities initially treated the incident as an accidental fall. However, investigators later said they uncovered evidence that prompted them to investigate the case as a suspected murder.
Police subsequently arrested 20-year-old Siya Goyal and 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators allege that the two planned Ketan’s death and pushed him from the fort, making it appear to be an accident.
Police Outline Their Investigation
According to Pune police, investigators reviewed witness statements, questioned family members, and examined other evidence before making the arrests.
CCTV Footage Becomes Key Evidence
Police said CCTV footage captured a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt near the fort on the day of Ketan’s death. Investigators considered the clothing unusual because of the warm weather and believe the footage may be significant to the case.
Authorities also claim their investigation revealed a close relationship between Siya and Chetan, which they say forms part of the alleged motive.
Police recently took Chetan to the fort to recreate events and compare his movements with those seen in the CCTV footage.
Defence Lawyers Reject Murder Allegations
Lawyers representing both accused have strongly denied the allegations.
Defence Questions the Evidence
Siya Goyal’s lawyer said she is cooperating fully with investigators and maintains her innocence. The defence also argued that police arrested her without sufficient evidence.
Chetan Chaudhary’s lawyer similarly rejected the accusations, saying investigators have not produced conclusive proof placing his client at the crime scene.
The defence has also questioned the reliability of comparing walking patterns from CCTV footage, arguing that such analysis cannot conclusively identify an individual.
Social Media and Television Coverage Intensify
The investigation has received extensive television coverage and widespread discussion on social media.
Photos and personal videos of both Ketan and Siya have circulated widely online, with many users expressing strong opinions before the investigation has concluded.
Legal experts have frequently warned that public speculation and media attention should not replace the judicial process, as the accused remain innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Victim’s Family Demands Strict Punishment
Ketan Agarwal’s family has publicly called for severe punishment if the allegations are proven.
His father said the family would have accepted the cancellation of the marriage if Siya had decided she no longer wished to marry his son.
The family also met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seek justice and requested the strictest possible legal action.
The Maharashtra government has appointed senior lawyer and Member of Parliament Ujjwal Nikam as the public prosecutor in the case.
Siya Goyal’s Family Expresses Shock
Siya Goyal’s family has said they are devastated by both Ketan’s death and the allegations against their daughter.
Her parents said they considered Ketan a member of their family and expressed sympathy for his relatives.
They also rejected claims that Siya had been forced into the engagement, insisting that she had willingly agreed to marry Ketan and appeared happy with the relationship.
According to the family, they would have supported cancelling the wedding if she had expressed any concerns beforehand.
Investigation Continues
Police continue to collect evidence while both accused remain in custody.
The court will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with the prosecution. Until then, the allegations remain under investigation, and no verdict has been reached.
