A routine trekking trip near Pune has turned into one of Maharashtra’s most shocking crime stories, with police alleging that a young woman and her lover plotted and executed the murder of her fiancé by pushing him into a deep gorge at Lohagad Fort.
The victim, Ketan Agarwal, a 26-year-old businessman associated with a prominent real-estate family in Pune, died after falling into a gorge near the historic fort in Lonavala on June 18. Initially treated as an accidental death, the case took a dramatic turn when investigators uncovered evidence suggesting the fall was no accident.
Police have arrested Ketan’s fiancée, 20-year-old Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary. According to investigators, the two were in a relationship and allegedly wanted to remove Ketan from their lives before his planned marriage to Siya later this year.
Investigators claim Siya convinced Ketan to accompany her on a trek to Lohagad Fort, presenting it as a casual outing ahead of her birthday celebrations. During the trek, police allege, Chetan joined the pair at a predetermined location. Authorities believe the two accused then pushed Ketan into a gorge estimated to be around 300 to 400 feet deep.
The case began to unravel after Ketan’s family raised doubts about the circumstances surrounding his death. Police subsequently examined mobile phone records, location data, witness accounts and CCTV footage from the area. Investigators say several inconsistencies in the statements given by the accused eventually led them to suspect foul play.
According to police, the accused initially attempted to portray the incident as a tragic accident. However, questioning and digital evidence allegedly revealed a planned conspiracy. Officials are also examining whether there were earlier attempts to harm Ketan before the fatal trek.
The arrests have shocked both families, who were reportedly preparing for the couple’s wedding. Friends and relatives described Ketan as excited about his future, making the allegations even more disturbing.
Police have booked the accused on charges including murder and criminal conspiracy. Investigators are continuing to gather forensic and electronic evidence as they work to establish the complete sequence of events behind the alleged killing.
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