Pune: Fresh details have emerged in the Pune fort murder case, with police alleging that the woman accused of killing her fiancé and her lover initially planned to injure him to postpone the wedding before deciding to allegedly murder him.
According to investigators, Siya Goyal (20) and her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary (22) conspired over several weeks before allegedly pushing Ketan Agarwal (26) into a gorge at Lohagad Fort near Pune on June 18.
Goyal and Agarwal, both residents of Pune, got engaged in February and were scheduled to marry in a grand ceremony in Jaipur this November.
After the incident, Goyal allegedly told Agarwal’s family that he had slipped during a trek. However, the police investigation later uncovered what investigators describe as a premeditated conspiracy, leading to the arrest of both accused on June 23.
Initial Plan Was to Delay the Wedding
According to a police officer quoted by PTI, the accused initially considered causing injuries to Agarwal through what would appear to be an accident, hoping the wedding would 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 (Goyal and Chaudhary) initially looked for ways to prevent the marriage from taking place,” the officer said.
Investigators said the idea was eventually abandoned because it was considered too risky.
“Their initial plan was only to injure him (Agarwal) to make it appear like an accident,” the officer added.
Bali Trip Increased Urgency
Police claim the urgency of the alleged conspiracy increased as the couple prepared for an eight-day trip to Bali, Indonesia, scheduled to begin on June 6.
According to investigators, the accused feared that if Agarwal survived any attempt to harm him and discovered their alleged plot, he could expose them.
“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,” the officer said.
Weeks of Planning and Online Research
Police allege the conspiracy involved extensive planning, including internet searches, repeated discussions and reconnaissance visits.
Investigators claim the accused watched suspense films and researched various methods of killing before concluding that pushing the victim off a cliff would make the death appear accidental.
“They are suspected to have watched suspense films, carried out internet searches, and discussed various methods before deciding that pushing the victim off a cliff would best resemble an accident,” the investigating officer said.
Multiple Locations Scouted
According to police, the duo explored several locations before selecting Lohagad Fort.
Investigators said they assessed sites including Tiger Point in Lonavala, Visapur Fort, and other elevated locations, exchanging photographs while evaluating which place would best conceal evidence.
“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,” the official said.
Earlier Visits Under Investigation
Police believe Goyal visited Lohagad Fort with Agarwal on May 31, allegedly to identify a suitable location for the crime.
“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.
Investigators also allege that Goyal later persuaded Agarwal to revisit the fort on June 3, but his family discouraged the trip because of the couple’s upcoming Bali vacation.
Passport Theft and Alleged Earlier Attempt
Police further suspect that Goyal stole Agarwal’s passport during a trip to Mumbai, leading to the cancellation of their planned foreign vacation.
Investigators have also alleged that an earlier attempt on Agarwal’s life took place at Lohagad Fort 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.
Accused in Judicial Custody
Police claim the motive behind the alleged murder was that Agarwal had become an obstacle to Goyal and Chaudhary’s relationship, with the two allegedly fearing their future together once Goyal got married.
Both accused are currently lodged in jail under judicial custody, while the investigation into the case continues.