Pune Murder Case Explained: How Ketan Agarwal’s Death Turned From a Trekking Accident Into an Alleged Murder Plot
The Pune murder case involving Ketan Agarwal has become one of the most talked-about criminal investigations in India. What initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident at Lohagad Fort has now turned into an alleged murder conspiracy that has shocked the country.
According to the Pune Police, Ketan Agarwal, a young real estate businessman from a well-known Pune family, died after falling into a deep gorge during a trek on June 18, 2026. At first, authorities believed it was an accidental fall. However, fresh evidence, CCTV footage, mobile phone records, and forensic findings reportedly changed the direction of the investigation.
Who Was Ketan Agarwal?
Ketan Agarwal was associated with his family’s real estate business in Pune. He was engaged to Siya Goyal, and the couple was expected to marry later this year. Friends and relatives described Ketan as a successful businessman with a bright future ahead.
The Alleged Love Triangle
Police claim that Siya Goyal had been in a relationship with Chetan Chaudhary for several months before her engagement to Ketan. Despite this, her family allegedly proceeded with the arranged marriage due to Ketan’s strong family background and financial stability.
Investigators believe Siya did not want to continue with the marriage but allegedly chose not to oppose her family’s decision openly. According to the police, she and Chetan eventually conspired to eliminate Ketan instead of cancelling the wedding.
It is important to note that these are allegations made by investigators. The case is still before the court, and both accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Police Claim There Were Multiple Failed Attempts
The investigation suggests that the murder was not an impulsive act but the result of weeks of planning.
First Attempt
Police allege that Siya earlier took Ketan to Lohagad Fort and tried to push him off a cliff. However, Ketan reportedly managed to grab nearby bushes and survived the fall. Investigators claim Siya convinced him she had accidentally pushed him while trying to save him from a snake, and Ketan believed her explanation.
Second Attempt
According to investigators, another plan was made to take Ketan trekking again. This attempt allegedly failed after Ketan’s mother advised him not to go on the trip.
Third Attempt
Police say another opportunity was abandoned because the trekking spot was crowded with visitors, making it difficult to execute the alleged plan without attracting attention.
What Happened on June 18?
On June 18, 2026, Ketan and Siya travelled to Lohagad Fort for another trek.
Investigators allege that Chetan Chaudhary secretly followed them to the fort. CCTV cameras reportedly captured a man wearing a hoodie walking behind the couple, despite the warm weather.
Police believe the three eventually reached an isolated area near a cliff, where Ketan was allegedly pushed into a deep gorge. He suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Initially, the incident was reported as a trekking accident.
How the Investigation Changed
The case took a dramatic turn after Ketan’s family, especially his sister, questioned the accident theory.
Police reportedly reviewed CCTV footage, collected mobile phone data, examined digital communication, and recovered deleted messages. Investigators claim the evidence pointed toward a planned conspiracy rather than an accidental fall.
Officials also examined the electric vehicle used during the trip, GPS location history, and call records to reconstruct the timeline of events.
Motive According to Police
Investigators believe the primary motive was Siya’s alleged relationship with Chetan and her unwillingness to marry Ketan.
Police claim Siya later admitted during questioning that killing Ketan seemed easier than confronting her family and calling off the marriage. This alleged statement has attracted widespread public attention, though it will ultimately be evaluated during the trial.
Accused Blame Each Other
As the investigation progressed, police said both accused began shifting responsibility.
According to investigators:
- Siya allegedly claimed that Chetan planned the murder.
- Chetan reportedly accused Siya of being the mastermind.
Authorities are continuing to examine forensic evidence to determine each person’s role in the alleged conspiracy.
Other Angles Being Investigated
Several additional claims have surfaced during the investigation.
Reports suggest police are examining whether Ketan’s passport had been destroyed before the incident and whether disagreements related to his appearance, including his use of a hair patch, played any role. However, Ketan’s family has strongly rejected these claims as motives for the alleged crime.
Investigators continue to analyse digital evidence recovered from the accused’s mobile phones and electronic devices.
Current Status of the Case
Both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary have been arrested in connection with Ketan Agarwal’s death. The investigation is ongoing, and forensic experts continue to examine electronic evidence, CCTV footage, and witness statements.
The case has drawn nationwide attention because police allege it involved careful planning, multiple failed attempts, and an effort to disguise the killing as an accidental trekking mishap.
However, the legal process is still underway. No court has yet determined the guilt of the accused, and all allegations remain subject to judicial scrutiny.
Timeline of Events
- Late 2025: Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary allegedly begin a relationship.
- Early 2026: Siya becomes engaged to Ketan Agarwal.
- May–June 2026: Police allege multiple failed attempts to kill Ketan.
- June 18, 2026: Ketan dies after falling into a gorge at Lohagad Fort.
- Initially: The incident is treated as an accidental fall.
- Later: CCTV footage, digital evidence, and forensic findings lead police to investigate the case as an alleged murder conspiracy.
- Present: Both accused remain under arrest while the investigation and court proceedings continue.
The Ketan Agarwal murder case has become one of India’s most high-profile criminal investigations of 2026. What appeared to be a tragic accident has evolved into an alleged murder plot involving an engagement, an alleged extramarital relationship, and weeks of planning, according to investigators. While police claim to have gathered significant evidence, the final verdict will depend on the court’s assessment of the evidence presented during trial.