Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: Ujjwal Nikam Appointed Special Public Prosecutor; Fast-Track Trial Approved

The Maharashtra government has appointed senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam as the Special Public Prosecutor in the Ketan Agarwal murder case and approved a fast-track trial following a meeting between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the victim's family. The decision comes days after Pune-based businessman Ketan Agarwal was allegedly murdered at Lohagad Fort, with his fiancée Siya Goyal and her alleged partner Chetan Chaudhary arrested in connection with the case.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Meets Victim Ketan Agarwal's Family

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Ketan Agarwal's father, Vishal Agarwal, in Pune on Friday after the family sought a speedy investigation and trial. During the meeting, the family requested that the case be heard in a fast-track court and that senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam be appointed to lead the prosecution. Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: Siya Goyal's Family Knew That He Used Hair Patch, Says Victim's Father Vishal Agarwal (Watch Video).

According to the Chief Minister's Office, both requests were accepted. Nikam, who previously served as the Special Public Prosecutor in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks case, has also given his consent to represent the prosecution.

Fast-Track Court to Expedite Proceedings

The Maharashtra government said the case will be transferred to a fast-track court to ensure an expedited trial. Officials stated that the move is intended to speed up the judicial process while ensuring that the investigation and prosecution proceed without delay. Speaking after the meeting, Fadnavis assured the victim's family that the government would make every effort to secure justice and ensure that those found guilty receive the strictest punishment under the law. Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: Father Refutes 'Hair Wig' Motive, Says Siya Goyal's Family Was Fully Informed (Watch Video).

Investigation Continues

Ketan Agarwal died after falling into a gorge at Lohagad Fort near Lonavala during a trek on June 18. The incident was initially believed to be an accident. However, police later alleged that Agarwal's fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged partner, Chetan Chaudhary, conspired to kill him by pushing him into the gorge. Both accused have been arrested and remain in custody. Investigators are examining digital evidence, witness statements and forensic findings as part of the ongoing probe.

High-Profile Prosecutor to Lead the Case

Ujjwal Nikam is one of India's best-known criminal prosecutors and has handled several high-profile cases, including the prosecution arising from the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. His appointment is expected to strengthen the state's prosecution in what has become one of Maharashtra's most closely watched criminal investigations.

The Ketan Agarwal case has attracted nationwide attention because of the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder and the subsequent investigation. Authorities have maintained that the allegations against the accused will be tested during the judicial process, while the government has said the fast-track court is intended to ensure a timely conclusion to the trial.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).