Lohagad Fort Murder Case: How an Engagement Turned Into an Alleged Murder Plot That Shocked Maharashtra

Lohagad Fort murder case has emerged as one of Maharashtra’s most disturbing criminal investigations in recent years, transforming what initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident into a case of alleged conspiracy, betrayal, and premeditated murder. The investigation has captured widespread public attention because of the shocking allegations surrounding an engaged couple, a secret relationship, and a meticulously planned sequence of events that investigators believe ultimately led to the death of a young businessman.

According to investigators, the victim, Ketan Agarwal, was looking forward to starting a new chapter of his life. The 26-year-old director of a reputed real estate company in Pune had recently become engaged and was preparing for his wedding. Family members were reportedly busy with celebrations, relatives had begun making arrangements, and both families expected the marriage to strengthen ties between two respected business households.

Instead, those celebrations ended in tragedy after Ketan died after falling from a cliff at Lohagad Fort, a historic hill fort near Lonavala that attracts thousands of trekkers and tourists every year.

What initially appeared to be an unfortunate accident soon began raising questions. As investigators examined witness statements, electronic evidence, surveillance footage, and forensic findings, the narrative allegedly shifted from an accidental fall to an elaborate murder conspiracy.

Today, the case continues to dominate headlines across Maharashtra as police prepare for trial while forensic experts and prosecutors attempt to establish exactly what happened on that June afternoon.

A Young Businessman With a Promising Future

People who knew Ketan Agarwal describe him as an ambitious entrepreneur with significant responsibilities despite his relatively young age.

Coming from a respected business family involved in the real estate sector, he had gradually taken on leadership responsibilities within the family enterprise. Friends reportedly viewed him as disciplined, career-oriented, and optimistic about both his professional future and his upcoming marriage.

His engagement to Siya Goyal had been arranged with the support of both families. The Goyal family, known in business circles for their long-standing involvement in the spice trade, also enjoyed a strong reputation. To outsiders, the alliance appeared ideal. Both families belonged to established business backgrounds, shared similar social values, and believed the marriage would create a strong partnership.

Wedding preparations had already begun, relatives had reportedly started discussing ceremonies, and the couple had begun spending more time together before the marriage. Few people around them suspected that the relationship was allegedly facing serious complications hidden beneath the surface.

The Secret Relationship Investigators Say Changed Everything

As the investigation progressed, police allegedly uncovered another relationship that had remained unknown to Ketan and many members of both families. According to investigators, Siya Goyal had allegedly been involved in a relationship with Chetan Chaudhary for several months before the incident.

Police sources claim the relationship had continued secretly even after her engagement. Investigators believe the two families were acquainted through business circles, allowing Siya and Chetan to know each other long before the marriage was arranged.

Officials allege that as the wedding date approached, tensions increased. Investigators suspect Siya found herself caught between family expectations and her personal relationship. Rather than confronting the situation openly or attempting to stop the wedding through family discussions, police allege that the couple gradually began considering increasingly dangerous alternatives.

While these allegations will ultimately be tested in court, investigators believe this emotional conflict became the central motive behind the events that followed.

An International Vacation That Never Happened

One of the earliest incidents now being examined by investigators concerns an overseas trip that never took place. According to police, Ketan had planned a pre-wedding holiday to Bali, Indonesia. The vacation was reportedly intended to allow the engaged couple to spend time together before their wedding celebrations officially began. However, the trip was unexpectedly cancelled after Ketan’s passport reportedly went missing. At the time, the disappearance appeared to be an unfortunate accident.

Investigators now allege it was far more than that. Police claim Siya secretly removed Ketan’s passport before tearing it into pieces and disposing of it near the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, making international travel impossible. Authorities believe the alleged act was carried out after objections from Chetan, who reportedly did not want the engaged couple travelling abroad together.

Although the cancelled vacation attracted little attention at the time, investigators now view it as one of the earliest signs of planning that allegedly preceded the murder. Rather than being an isolated incident, police believe it reflected growing coordination between the two accused.

Why Investigators Believe Lohagad Fort Was Chosen

Lohagad Fort is among Maharashtra’s most visited trekking destinations. Situated near Lonavala, the centuries-old fort offers spectacular views of surrounding valleys and attracts hikers throughout the year. Among its most famous viewpoints is Vinchu Kata, a narrow rocky extension that resembles the tail of a scorpion. Its dramatic cliffs and steep drops make it visually striking but also potentially dangerous if visitors ignore safety precautions.

Investigators believe these geographical features became an important part of the alleged murder plan. According to police, an isolated cliff could potentially allow a fatal push to resemble an accidental fall. Authorities further allege that the suspects deliberately selected a weekday for the visit. Unlike weekends, weekdays generally attract fewer tourists, reducing the number of potential eyewitnesses. Investigators believe this decision was intended to minimise the risk of intervention while making the incident appear consistent with a trekking accident.

Whether that planning can ultimately be established beyond reasonable doubt will be determined during the trial, but investigators say the sequence of events strongly supports the theory of premeditation.

A Trip Presented as a Casual Outing

According to investigators, Siya suggested a visit to Lohagad Fort shortly before the wedding. To Ketan, the outing allegedly appeared to be an ordinary excursion between an engaged couple. Police say there was nothing during the journey that would have suggested he was walking into a carefully planned trap. Unknown to him, investigators allege that Chetan Chaudhary had already begun making separate preparations.

Police claim he deliberately avoided carrying his own mobile phone to reduce the possibility of location tracking. Instead, investigators allege he left his personal handset at his workplace in Pune while carrying another phone associated with an employee. Authorities believe this decision was intended to create a misleading digital trail that would place him elsewhere during the incident.

Investigators further allege he disguised his appearance using a hoodie, face covering and accessories while travelling towards the fort. According to police, he also avoided the main ticket counter, reducing the chances of creating records that could later establish his presence. The prosecution argues these actions indicate planning rather than coincidence.

At the same time, defence lawyers are expected to challenge these allegations during trial, making the courtroom proceedings particularly significant in determining the legal outcome.

The Final Climb Towards Vinchu Kata

Investigators believe the final phase of the alleged conspiracy unfolded during the trek to Vinchu Kata, one of the most photographed sections of Lohagad Fort. The narrow ridge, extending dramatically over the valley, offers breathtaking views but also features steep cliffs that require visitors to exercise caution.

According to police, Ketan Agarwal remained unaware that someone else was allegedly following the couple from a distance.

Investigators claim that Chetan Chaudhary had already reached the fort separately and carefully maintained enough distance to avoid drawing attention. Police allege that he stayed out of sight while tracking the couple’s movement along the trekking route, waiting for the moment both had allegedly agreed upon in advance.

Authorities say the trio never walked together, a detail investigators believe was intended to prevent tourists from connecting them with one another. As the couple approached the relatively isolated Vinchu Kata viewpoint, police allege that the final stage of the plan was about to unfold.

The Signal That Investigators Say Triggered the Attack

According to investigators, the alleged murder plan relied on a simple but pre-arranged signal. Police claim Siya Goyal had agreed to sit down once the surroundings appeared clear of visitors. Investigators believe this action was intended to communicate that no immediate witnesses were nearby and that Chetan could move in without being noticed.

Officials allege that moments after Siya sat on the rocky surface, Chetan emerged from behind Ketan. Investigators believe Ketan had little or no opportunity to react. Police allege that he was forcefully pushed over the cliff edge, causing him to plunge into the deep valley below.

Emergency assistance was eventually sought, but the fall proved fatal. Authorities say the attack itself lasted only a few seconds. Investigators further allege that within minutes, Chetan had already begun descending the fort in an effort to leave the area before emergency personnel or additional trekkers reached the scene.

The prosecution is expected to argue that the speed with which he allegedly exited the location further demonstrates prior planning.

A Story of an Accidental Fall

Immediately after the incident, Siya reportedly informed authorities and family members that Ketan had slipped while visiting the scenic viewpoint. According to investigators, she appeared distressed and described the incident as a tragic accident.

At first glance, the explanation appeared believable. Every year, several trekking destinations across Maharashtra witness accidental falls due to slippery rocks, overcrowding, poor visibility or risky photography.

Because of this, an accidental fall at a hill fort would not have been considered unusual in the initial stages. However, as police officers began recording statements and reconstructing the sequence of events, they noticed inconsistencies that prompted a deeper investigation. Those early doubts eventually became the foundation of what investigators now describe as a planned homicide case.

Statements That Raised Suspicion

Police sources say one of the earliest warning signs emerged during questioning. According to investigators, Siya initially stated that Ketan slipped while they were taking photographs together. Later, officials claim she offered a different explanation, suggesting he had fallen while turning around to hand her a bottle of water. Investigators considered the differing versions significant.

Although memory can vary after traumatic incidents, police believed the inconsistencies required closer examination, especially because they related directly to how the fatal fall allegedly occurred. These changing statements prompted investigators to verify every claim independently rather than relying solely on eyewitness accounts.

The Missing Photographs

One of the most important developments reportedly came from forensic examination of Siya’s mobile phone. Investigators say she had mentioned that the couple had been taking pictures during their visit. However, police claim the phone contained no photographs from Lohagad Fort on the day of the incident.

Officials reportedly examined image folders, deleted files and other digital records before concluding that no evidence supported the claim of a photography session. While the absence of photographs alone could not establish guilt, investigators viewed it as another inconsistency that conflicted with her earlier statement. Combined with other findings, police believe it strengthened suspicion that the original account was inaccurate.

Digital Evidence Became a Turning Point

Modern criminal investigations increasingly rely on electronic evidence, and this case proved no exception. Police obtained call detail records after seeking the necessary legal permissions. According to investigators, the records allegedly revealed extensive communication between Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary over several months before Ketan’s death.

Officials claim the two exchanged more than 2,000 phone calls during roughly six months. Investigators also allege that their conversations amounted to approximately 238 hours of total talk time. Police believe the frequency and duration of communication demonstrated a close relationship that had not been disclosed during the initial stages of the investigation.

While phone records cannot establish the contents of conversations, investigators say they helped map the relationship between the accused and supported other evidence collected during the inquiry.

CCTV Footage Added Another Layer to the Investigation

Surveillance footage collected from areas around Lohagad Fort reportedly provided investigators with additional leads. According to police, cameras positioned near the trekking route captured an individual wearing a hoodie, face covering and headphones following the couple.

Although investigators say the suspect attempted to conceal his identity, police believe his movements, body structure and timing matched those of Chetan Chaudhary. Authorities also claim the footage showed Siya occasionally looking back along the trail in a manner investigators interpreted as signalling or checking whether someone was still behind them.

The prosecution is expected to rely on these recordings alongside other evidence to establish the movement of all those involved before the incident. Defence lawyers, however, are likely to scrutinise the interpretation of this footage during trial.

Piecing Together the Timeline

Investigators say no single piece of evidence solved the case.

Instead, they gradually assembled multiple independent findings that, when viewed together, appeared to tell a consistent story.

These included:

• Statements recorded from witnesses.
• Alleged inconsistencies in the survivor’s account.
• Mobile phone records.
• CCTV footage.
• Forensic examination of digital devices.
• Movement analysis.
• Crime scene reconstruction.

Police maintain that each finding supported the next, allowing investigators to challenge what had initially appeared to be an accidental death. Officials believe the investigation demonstrates how modern forensic methods increasingly combine traditional detective work with digital analysis.

Arrests and Alleged Confessions

Following weeks of investigation, police arrested Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators claim both suspects eventually admitted their involvement during questioning. However, under Indian law, any statements made during police interrogation are subject to legal scrutiny, and the admissibility and evidentiary value of such confessions will ultimately be determined by the court.

The prosecution is expected to rely primarily on forensic evidence, electronic records and witness testimony rather than any confession alone. As the judicial process moves forward, both accused remain entitled to defend themselves against the allegations. Like all criminal cases, the matter will ultimately be decided based on evidence presented before the court rather than public opinion.

Crime Scene Reconstruction Aimed to Test the Evidence

In one of the most significant recent developments, investigators returned to Lohagad Fort along with forensic experts and the accused to recreate the sequence of events. Police used a specially designed dummy closely matching Ketan Agarwal’s height and weight.

Officials conducted multiple simulations to study the likely trajectory of a body falling from the cliff edge. According to investigators, the reconstruction sought to determine whether the available forensic evidence aligned more closely with an accidental slip or with an intentional push.

Experts reportedly examined terrain conditions, body movement, angle of descent and impact possibilities. Authorities believe the scientific exercise supports the prosecution’s version of events, although the defence will have an opportunity to challenge these findings during court proceedings.

Government Moves to Fast-Track the Case

Given the widespread public interest surrounding the investigation, the Maharashtra government has decided to fast-track the prosecution. Officials have appointed noted Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to represent the state’s case.

The appointment reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter. Legal experts believe the prosecution will likely focus on demonstrating planning, motive and coordinated execution while relying heavily on forensic and digital evidence.

The defence, meanwhile, is expected to contest both the interpretation and reliability of that evidence.

Families Left Coping With an Unimaginable Tragedy

Beyond the legal proceedings, the case has left two families dealing with profound emotional consequences. Ketan Agarwal’s relatives, who had been preparing for his wedding, instead found themselves mourning the loss of a young family member whose future appeared full of promise.

On the other side, reports indicate that Siya Goyal’s family has expressed deep shock over the allegations against their daughter. According to statements made publicly, family members have said that if the allegations are ultimately proven in court, those responsible should face the punishment prescribed under law.

The emotional fallout has highlighted how a single criminal case can devastate multiple families simultaneously, regardless of the eventual judicial outcome.

What Happens Next?

The investigation has largely concluded, but the legal process is only beginning. The prosecution will now present documentary evidence, forensic reports, witness testimony and expert opinions before the court.

The defence will have the opportunity to challenge every allegation and cross-examine witnesses. Only after examining the complete evidence will the court determine criminal liability.

Until then, the accused remain under the protection of the legal principle that guilt must be established beyond reasonable doubt.

A Case That Continues to Raise Difficult Questions

The Lohagad Fort murder case has drawn nationwide attention not only because of the allegations themselves but also because it reflects the growing role of digital forensics, surveillance technology and scientific investigation in solving complex crimes.

From an engagement that appeared destined for celebration to an investigation involving alleged conspiracy, electronic evidence and forensic reconstruction, the case has unfolded in dramatic fashion.

As court proceedings move ahead, the focus will shift from police allegations to judicial examination of the evidence. Whatever the eventual verdict, the case serves as a reminder of how hidden personal conflicts can have devastating consequences and how modern investigations increasingly depend on technology as much as eyewitness testimony to uncover the truth.