A wedding at a royal palace was being planned. A birthday picnic at a historic fort was on the calendar. But what was first reported as a tragic trekking accident has now become the focus of a murder investigation.
On June 18, 26-year-old Pune businessman Ketan Vishal Agarwal died after falling nearly 400 feet into a gorge at Lohagad Fort in Maharashtra. His fiancée, Siya Goyal, told police that he had slipped due to strong winds while they were trekking together. Based on her statement, an accidental death report was initially registered.
However, as investigators examined the circumstances more closely, they uncovered evidence that suggested the incident may have been carefully planned. Police later alleged that Siya and her alleged boyfriend, Chetan Babulal Chaudhary, conspired to kill Ketan. Both were arrested and, according to police, confessed during questioning.
Ketan, a director in his family’s real-estate business, had become engaged to Siya in February 2026 through an arranged match. Their wedding was scheduled for November, with elaborate arrangements already underway, including a palace venue in Udaipur and special flights for guests. The family had also organized an elaborate birthday celebration for Siya at a luxury resort in Mahabaleshwar.
To Ketan’s family, the relationship appeared normal and affectionate. Siya often spent time with them, joining shopping trips and family outings. Ketan’s mother later said she never suspected anything unusual.
Investigators later alleged that Siya had been involved in a relationship with 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary for about a year. Police records reportedly showed that the two exchanged more than 2,000 phone calls between January and June, spending a total of 238 hours talking. According to police, Siya did not want to marry Ketan and chose not to end her relationship with Chetan.
Police believe the alleged murder plot began during a visit by Ketan and Siya to Lohagad Fort on May 31. Investigators claim Siya identified the fort’s steep cliffs and isolated terrain as a location where a death could be made to appear accidental.
Another incident that later drew attention involved a planned pre-wedding trip to Bali. On the day of departure, Ketan discovered his passport was missing, forcing him to cancel the trip. Investigators later alleged that Siya had intentionally removed the passport to prevent the holiday from taking place, as it would have interfered with plans centered around Lohagad Fort.
According to police, the first attempt to kill Ketan occurred on June 14 during another visit to the fort. Investigators claim the plan involved creating panic through a staged snake scare, hoping Ketan would move toward the edge of a gorge. The attempt allegedly failed when he did not react as expected.
Afterward, police say Siya persuaded Ketan to return to Lohagad Fort on June 18 by suggesting a birthday outing ahead of her June 19 birthday. She invited friends and family members, presenting the gathering as a casual celebration. Ketan agreed, unaware of any alleged danger.
Investigators claim that Chetan took measures to avoid being tracked that day. They allege he left his phone at his shop, used another person’s device, and disabled his internet connection for several hours before traveling separately to the fort.
Police allege that when the group reached a location overlooking a deep gorge, Chetan joined them. Investigators believe that Siya and Chetan attacked Ketan and pushed him into the gorge, causing his death.
Following the incident, Siya contacted police and repeated the claim that Ketan had accidentally slipped while taking photographs near the edge. Rescue teams recovered his body the next day after a difficult operation in the rugged terrain.
Soon after Ketan’s death, Siya posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing grief over his passing and questioning why he had left her just before their wedding. The post included videos of the couple together and messages of remembrance. Police later included screenshots of the post as part of their investigation.
Suspicion began to grow among Ketan’s family. They found it difficult to believe that an experienced trekker like Ketan could have fallen accidentally. Their doubts deepened after Siya visited their home several days after the funeral and her behavior reportedly raised concerns.
Following a complaint from Ketan’s father, investigators reviewed mobile phone records, social-media activity, and other technical evidence. The extensive communication between Siya and Chetan, along with information about their movements on June 18, became a major focus of the inquiry.
Police eventually detained Chetan, and after questioning him, arrested Siya. Both were charged with murder and criminal conspiracy. A Pune court later remanded them to seven days of police custody while the investigation continued.
Ketan’s parents publicly expressed grief and disbelief, questioning why such drastic actions were allegedly taken instead of simply calling off the marriage. They demanded swift justice and the strongest possible punishment for those responsible.
Authorities have stated that the investigation remains ongoing as they continue collecting forensic evidence and examining whether any additional individuals may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy.
