The death of a young businessman in Maharashtra’s Pune district has sparked nationwide attention after an investigation transformed what was initially believed to be a trekking accident into an alleged murder conspiracy involving a fiancée and her lover.
According to investigators, Siya Goyal and her alleged partner, Chetan Babulal Chaudhary, have been arrested in connection with the death of 26-year-old real estate businessman Ketan Vishal Agrawal. Authorities allege that the duo conspired to kill Agrawal by pushing him into a nearly 400m foot-deep gorge near Lohagad Fort.
The incident occurred on June 18. Agrawal had visited the popular hill fort area near Pune and was later found dead at the bottom of a deep ravine. Initial reports suggested that he had accidentally slipped while taking photographs in strong winds. However, investigators later found several inconsistencies that prompted a more detailed inquiry.
During the investigation, police allegedly uncovered evidence indicating that Goyal and Chaudhary had been involved in a romantic relationship for a considerable period. Investigators claim that Goyal was unwilling to marry Agrawal and viewed him as an obstacle to her relationship with Chaudhary. According to the allegations, the two then devised a plan to eliminate him.
Registration Begins for FutureCrime Summit 2026, India’s Largest Cybercrime Conference
One of the most startling revelations in the case is the alleged existence of an earlier attempt on Agrawal’s life. Investigators claim that on June 14, four days before the fatal incident, a similar attempt was made near the same fort. According to sources associated with the probe, Agrawal was allegedly pushed toward the edge but survived. The incident was reportedly explained away as an accident or an attempt to protect him from danger, preventing suspicion at the time.
On June 18, Agrawal allegedly returned to the same location after being invited under the pretext of celebrating a birthday and spending time together. Investigators claim that Chaudhary was already present in the area. They allege that the two accused acted together and pushed Agrawal into the gorge, causing fatal injuries.
Digital evidence has emerged as a crucial component of the investigation. Authorities say an examination of mobile phone records revealed that Goyal and Chaudhary had spoken 2,004 times over the previous six months. The total duration of those conversations reportedly ran into hundreds of hours, suggesting frequent communication between the two.
Investigators also suspect that efforts were made to conceal movements on the day of the incident. According to the probe, Chaudhary allegedly attempted to avoid detection by leaving his regular mobile phone elsewhere and using another person’s device. However, police claim that call records, location data, and other electronic evidence helped reconstruct the sequence of events.
The case has left Agrawal’s family devastated. Family members have reportedly questioned why the engagement could not simply have been called off if there was no desire to proceed with the marriage. They have demanded a comprehensive investigation and urged authorities to examine whether any additional individuals were involved in the alleged conspiracy.
Sources indicate that preparations for the couple’s wedding were already underway, with significant arrangements reportedly being made for the ceremony. What was expected to be a celebration later this year has instead become the focus of a high-profile criminal investigation.
The accused remain under investigation, and authorities continue to examine digital, forensic, and circumstantial evidence as they work to establish the full sequence of events. The allegations and evidence presented so far are part of an ongoing investigation, and the charges against the accused will ultimately be tested through the judicial process.
