Siya Goyal, Chetan Chaudhary Initially Planned To Delay Wedding by Injuring Ketan Agarwal, Later Chose Murder: Police

Police investigating the death of 26-year-old realtor Ketan Agarwal have alleged that the accused, 20-year-old Siya Goyal and her alleged lover, 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, initially planned to injure him to postpone his upcoming wedding to Goyal before deciding to allegedly kill him and stage the death as an accident at Lohagad Fort near Pune.

According to investigators, the alleged conspiracy unfolded over several weeks through repeated discussions, reconnaissance visits and online searches. Police said the couple ultimately chose Lohagad Fort after assessing multiple locations where Agarwal's death could allegedly be made to appear accidental. Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: WhatsApp Chats Show Accused Referring to Each Other As 'Husband and Wife'.

Initial Plan Was to Delay the Wedding

According to police, Goyal and Chaudhary viewed Agarwal as an obstacle to their relationship but initially did not intend to kill him. A police officer said the pair first discussed causing injuries to Agarwal in an apparent accident so that the marriage could be postponed.

"Goyal didn't want to elope as she didn't wish to bring disrepute to her family or embarrass Agarwal's family. They initially looked for ways to prevent the marriage from taking place," the officer said. Police said the idea was later abandoned after the accused allegedly feared Agarwal could survive and expose their plan. Pune FDA Raids Shop Owned by Ketan Agarwal Murder Accused Siya Goyal's Father, Seizes 4,172 Kg Food Worth INR 8.14 Lakh (Video).

Bali Trip Added Urgency, Say Investigators

Investigators said the conspiracy accelerated because Goyal and Agarwal were scheduled to travel to Bali in early June.

According to police: "Goyal and Agarwal were scheduled to spend eight days together in Bali after flying out on June 6. When they realised that the idea to harm Agarwal somehow was not feasible, they decided to execute the plan themselves. They feared that if Agarwal survived and got wind of their conspiracy, he would expose them. That is when they allegedly decided to eliminate him."

Police also alleged the accused discussed different methods, watched suspense films and searched the internet before concluding that pushing Agarwal off a cliff would most closely resemble an accidental death.

Multiple Locations Surveyed

Investigators said the accused allegedly examined several high-altitude locations before selecting Lohagad Fort.

A police officer said: "The accused had explored multiple locations, including Tiger Point, Visapur Fort and a few other forts in the region, before settling on Lohagad Fort. They exchanged photographs of these places and assessed which location would best suit their objective of making the death appear accidental while leaving behind no evidence."

Police believe the selection of the location formed the second stage of the alleged conspiracy.

Reconnaissance Visits and Alleged Failed Attempt

According to investigators, Goyal had already visited Lohagad Fort with Agarwal on May 31 in what police suspect was a reconnaissance visit.

"The visit appears to have been a reconnaissance exercise. The primary purpose was to identify a suitable spot from where the victim could be pushed. Had an opportunity presented itself that day, she might have attempted to kill him. Chaudhary deliberately stayed away during that visit to minimise risk," the officer said.

Police also suspect Goyal later persuaded Agarwal to revisit the fort, but the trip was postponed because of their planned Bali vacation.

Investigators further alleged that Goyal stole Agarwal's passport during a trip to Mumbai, resulting in the cancellation of the foreign tour.

Police also claim there was an unsuccessful attempt on June 14. "She allegedly pushed him off the cliff, but he managed to hold on to a bush and survived. She immediately claimed she had pushed him to save him from a snake, thereby deflecting suspicion," the officer said.

Final Alleged Plan Executed on June 18

After the alleged failed attempt, police said Chaudhary became directly involved in the final plan.

Investigators alleged the two rehearsed on a hill in Pune's Lullanagar area and continued searching online for ways to avoid detection. "On June 18, he followed Goyal and Agarwal to Lohagad Fort, where the two allegedly pushed Agarwal into the gorge," the officer said.

Police said no contract killing angle has emerged during the investigation. Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary were arrested in connection with the case and are currently lodged in judicial custody at Yerawada Central Jail in Pune. The investigation is ongoing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 11:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).