A shocking case in Pune has taken a dramatic turn after police arrested a young woman and her alleged boyfriend in connection with the death of businessman Ketan Vishal Agarwal, which was initially believed to be a trekking accident.
Investigators now allege that Agarwal’s fiancée, 20-year-old Siya Goyal, and her alleged partner, 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, conspired to kill him by pushing him into a 400-foot gorge at Lohagad Fort. Both have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.
Family Recalls Concerns Raised Before Tragedy
Following the arrests, Ketan’s family has spoken about concerns they now view as warning signs.
According to his father, Vishal Agarwal, Ketan had occasionally expressed doubts about his fiancée after their engagement in February.
“After the engagement, they met frequently and spent time together. At times, Ketan asked whether we had thoroughly verified her background,” Vishal Agarwal said.
The family, however, reassured him because the match had been arranged through extended family connections.
Ketan’s father also recalled that the couple sometimes argued over small issues. He further noted that Siya spent considerable time on her phone and that Ketan had mentioned another individual, Chetan Chaudhary, raising concerns about a possible relationship between them.
The family had even considered postponing the wedding due to Siya’s young age but ultimately proceeded with preparations after discussions between both families.
Wedding Preparations Were Already Underway
Ketan Agarwal, 25, was a director in his family-owned logistics and warehouse development business, Success Group.
After earning a master’s degree from Babson College’s FW Olin Graduate School of Business in Massachusetts, he returned to India in 2023 to join the family enterprise.
His wedding with Siya Goyal was scheduled for November, and arrangements had already begun, including hotel bookings in Udaipur for the celebrations.
Police Investigation Revealed Alleged Conspiracy
According to investigators, the events leading to Ketan’s death began on June 18, a day before Siya’s birthday.
Police initially treated the incident at Lohagad Fort as an accidental fall. However, inconsistencies in statements and evidence prompted a deeper investigation.
Authorities said Ketan was an experienced trekker familiar with the terrain, making the accident theory less convincing.
A forensic analysis of mobile devices and other evidence allegedly revealed that Siya and Chetan had been in a relationship for more than a year.
Investigators believe Siya was attempting to avoid the planned marriage while maintaining her relationship with Chaudhary.
Passport Incident Raised Further Questions
Police also uncovered details about a cancelled pre-wedding trip to Bali.
According to investigators, Ketan discovered that his passport was missing at Mumbai airport shortly before the trip. During the investigation, officers allegedly found evidence suggesting the passport had been hidden, causing the journey to be cancelled.
Another incident reportedly occurred just days before Ketan’s death. Police claim that during an earlier trek to Lohagad Fort, Siya allegedly pushed him and later said she was trying to protect him after spotting a snake nearby.
Call Records Linked Alleged Boyfriend to Fort
Investigators stated that call record data placed Chetan Chaudhary at Lohagad Fort at the same time as Ketan and Siya on June 18.
Police officials said the digital evidence became a crucial breakthrough in the case.
Authorities further claimed that both accused admitted involvement during questioning, though the legal process is continuing and all allegations will be tested in court.
Charges Filed
Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary have been charged under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to murder and criminal conspiracy.
Both remain in police custody as investigators continue gathering evidence and examining the circumstances surrounding the case.
The incident has drawn widespread attention due to its similarities to other recent high-profile relationship-related crime cases in India and has reignited discussions around trust, background verification, and personal safety in matrimonial arrangements.
