Ketan Agarwal Murder: Siya-Chetan's Affair, Family Pressure And Forensics At Centre Of Probe

Last Updated:June 28, 2026, 15:02 IST

Investigators say the Lohagad murder probe now depends on forensic proof, with no eyewitnesses and the alleged motive rooted in an affair and family pressure.

The investigation into the murder of 26-year-old Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort has reached a crucial stage, with Pune Rural Police relying heavily on forensic evidence to substantiate what investigators describe as a strong case based on motive, digital evidence and circumstantial links.

CNN-News18 has exclusively learnt that police believe they have established a compelling motive and identified opportunities allegedly exploited by the accused, Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary.

However, investigators acknowledge that the case faces a significant legal challenge as it presently depends largely on circumstantial and digital evidence, making forensic validation critical to proving the allegations in court.

The biggest hurdle for investigators is matching the statements of both accused with scientific evidence.

Police sources have revealed that statements recorded during interrogation alone hold little value in court unless corroborated by material and forensic evidence.

POLICE SAY ISOLATED LOCATION WAS DELIBERATELY CHOSEN

Investigators believe the spot inside Lohagad Fort was deliberately selected because it offered isolation, thick bushes, forest cover and the absence of surveillance cameras.

Police have also appealed to visitors who were present at the fort on the day of the incident to come forward with any information they have.

However, investigators have so far failed to locate any eyewitness who saw the act, further increasing the importance of forensic evidence in the case.

Although police have assembled a chain of circumstantial evidence, the absence of direct witnesses means scientific examination will play the deciding role in establishing the prosecution’s case.

Further, investigators believe Siya Goyal’s primary motive was her alleged relationship with co-accused Chetan Chaudhary, which gradually led to resentment towards her fiancé, Ketan Agarwal.

Police sources said that Siya allegedly claimed Ketan had lied about wearing a hair patch, which she viewed as a sign of incompatibility in the relationship.

During questioning, investigators reportedly confronted her with photographs and videos from the couple’s engagement that appeared to show a happy relationship.

Siya allegedly responded that she came from a family where many decisions were taken because of parental expectations.

She allegedly told investigators that she did not want to break the engagement because of family and social pressure and believed doing so would bring disrespect to her influential family.

Chetan, too, allegedly told investigators that he wanted to elope with Siya. However, Siya reportedly rejected the idea, considering it too risky.

Investigators further claim Siya allegedly maintained that killing Ketan was the only “clean" way to secure a future with Chetan without bringing shame upon their families.

She allegedly told police it was “easier to take his life than confront family."

ALLEGED AFFAIR, DIGITAL TRAIL UNDER SCANNER

Investigators believe the relationship between Siya and Chetan was intense, with frequent late-night phone calls and meetings.

Police sources further claimed that Chetan allegedly confessed to being frustrated by Siya’s engagement photographs and had questioned why she continued to tolerate Ketan.

Investigators believe his alleged possessiveness, coupled with the pair’s shared interest in cricket and Siya’s refusal to elope, became factors that accelerated the conspiracy.

While investigators believe the accused planned the crime intelligently, they may not have fully anticipated the extent of digital tracking available to investigators.

SEIZURES, FORENSIC EXAMINATION CONTINUE

Meanwhile, ANI reported that Lonavala Rural Police have seized the two-wheeler allegedly used by Chetan Chaudhary to travel from Pune to Lohagad Fort.

Police have also recovered the hoodie and headphones he was allegedly wearing on the day of the incident.

According to police, forensic examinations have been conducted on the seized motorcycle as well as the clothing recovered from the accused.

Earlier, Siya Goyal’s parents, Pravin Goyal and Pooja Goyal, also visited the Lonavala Police Station for questioning.

On Sunday, Pune Police took both accused to Lohagad Fort to recreate the alleged crime scene. Later, Siya Goyal was taken to the Lonavala Police Station as the investigation continued.

Ketan Agarwal died after being pushed from Lohagad Fort on June 18.

Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary were arrested on June 23 and remanded to seven-day police custody till June 29 as the investigation continued.

The Maharashtra government has approved the setting up of a fast-track court in the case and appointed senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam as the Special Public Prosecutor after the victim’s father sought swift justice during a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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