What initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident at Pune’s Lohagad Fort has now taken a shocking turn. A seemingly insignificant detail captured on CCTV footage, a man wearing a hoodie on a scorching 33°C morning became the breakthrough that helped investigators unravel the alleged murder of 25-year-old businessman Ketan Agarwal.
Ketan Agarwal died after falling into a valley at the popular trekking destination on June 18. The incident was initially treated as an accidental death. However, CCTV footage, call detail records, mobile location data and digital evidence gradually pointed investigators towards an alleged murder conspiracy.
The investigation has since led to the arrest of Agarwal’s fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her friend, Chetan Chaudhary. Pune Rural Police have booked both on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy, alleging that the fall was not an accident but a pre-planned killing.
Ketan Agarwal’s family questioned the accident theory
The investigation gathered momentum after Ketan Agarwal’s family expressed doubts over the accident narrative. According to police, family members told investigators that Ketan was an experienced trekker and was unlikely to have slipped at the spot where he fell.
Ketan had travelled to Lohagad Fort with his fiancée, Siya Goyal, to celebrate her birthday. Following the incident, Siya allegedly told police that Ketan had slipped while taking photographs near the edge of the valley.
Although an accidental death report was initially registered, investigators began reviewing CCTV footage from the fort, analysing phone records and reconstructing the couple’s movements.
CCTV footage and hoodie become key evidence
The breakthrough came during the examination of CCTV footage captured near the foothills of Lohagad Fort. According to investigators, one individual stood out because he was wearing a hoodie with his head covered and headphones despite the temperature touching 33°C that morning.
“When we checked the June 18 temperature, it was 33 degrees Celsius that morning. During scrutiny of CCTV footage from the foothills, we noticed a person wearing a hoodie with his head covered and also wearing headphones. This raised suspicion because such clothing was unusual considering the weather conditions,” investigating officer Tayade said.
Police later identified the man as Chetan Chaudhary.
Investigators allege that Chaudhary deliberately left his mobile phone at his residence in Kondhwa to avoid electronic tracking. However, CCTV footage, phone records, location data and digital messages allegedly helped investigators establish his movements and connect him to the case.
Police allege murder conspiracy involving fiancée and friend
According to Pune Rural Police, Chetan Chaudhary and Siya Goyal had known each other for nearly a year and were allegedly in a relationship despite Siya’s engagement to Ketan Agarwal. Investigators claim Chaudhary reached Lohagad Fort before the couple and later followed them to a secluded location.
“During sustained interrogation and examination of evidence, including call detail records, phone locations and messages, the accused admitted to having conspired to eliminate Ketan Agarwal,” Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill said.
Police have arrested both accused and booked them under charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
Wedding preparations underway before Ketan Agarwal’s death
The investigation also revealed that Ketan Agarwal and Siya Goyal were scheduled to marry in November, with preparations for an elaborate wedding already underway.
Police are continuing the investigation and are also examining allegations of an earlier attempt on Ketan Agarwal’s life during a previous visit to Lohagad Fort.
The case, which began as a suspected trekking accident at one of Maharashtra’s most popular forts, has now emerged as an alleged murder plot uncovered through CCTV footage, digital evidence and forensic investigation.
