A young entrepreneur’s tragic death at one of Maharashtra’s most iconic forts has turned into a haunting tale of betrayal. What initially seemed like a tragic accident has unraveled into a calculated murder conspiracy that shocked Pune society.
Ketan Agarwal’s Death Tragic Discovery
Ketan Vishal Agarwal, a 26-year-old real estate firm director from Gahunje in Pune district, was found dead in a deep gorge near Lohagad Fort on June 18, 2026. He was an accomplished businessman running a family real estate enterprise, with his entire future mapped out—including a grand wedding scheduled for later that year.
That day seemed like an ordinary outing. Police initially reported he had slipped and fallen nearly 400 feet while taking photographs during a trek with his fiancée and friends. The case appeared straightforward—a tragic accident at a popular trekking destination.
But investigators soon discovered something sinister beneath the surface.
Case Timeline & Key Players
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Ketan Vishal Agarwal, 26 (Real Estate Director) |
| Fiancée | Siya Goyal (Arrested) |
| Lover | Chetan Babulal Chaudhary, 22 (Kondhwa, Pune) |
| Location | Lohagad Fort Gorge, Pune |
| Date of Incident | June 18, 2026 |
| Charge | Murder & Criminal Conspiracy |
| Status | Both Arrested |
The Conspiracy Unfolds
Police investigation revealed a chilling premeditated plan. Siya Goyal was in a secret relationship with Chetan Babulal Chaudhary, and she considered Ketan an obstacle to their relationship. Rather than simply calling off the wedding, the duo allegedly conspired to eliminate him permanently.
The scheme involved meticulous planning. Just days before the murder, Siya had deliberately misplaced Ketan’s passport to cancel a pre-wedding shoot in Bali. She was unwilling to marry him and needed him out of the way. When Ketan insisted on an outing to Lohagad Fort on June 18, Siya seized the opportunity.
Here’s how it unfolded: Siya lured Ketan to the fort under the guise of a casual outing, while Chetan waited at the location. Once there, according to police, both of them pushed Ketan into the gorge, leading to his death from injuries sustained from the fall.
Police Investigation & Breakthrough
Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill explained that initial suspicions arose when they examined Ketan’s relationships and recent conflicts. “We found that Ketan and Siya had been fighting in recent days,” he stated during press conference.
Through rigorous interrogation of Chetan Babulal Chaudhary, the crime branch uncovered the entire conspiracy. Siya was subsequently arrested based on his statements, and both now face murder charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
