New Delhi:
Days before Pune businessman Ketan Agarwal allegedly became the victim of a carefully planned murder, his family was preparing an elaborate birthday celebration for his fiancee, Siya Goyal. What was meant to be a joyful occasion instead became one of the final chapters in a case that has shocked Maharashtra.
According to sources, Ketan’s father, Vishal Agarwal, had organised a grand birthday celebration for Siya at a five-star hotel in Mahabaleshwar. Around 70 rooms had reportedly been booked for family members and guests ahead of her birthday on June 20.
However, the celebration never took place.
Investigators say Siya allegedly persuaded Ketan to cancel the plans and instead accompany her to Lohagad Fort near Pune, where police now believe a murder conspiracy was executed.
Engagement, Wedding Plans And A Relationship Hidden From Both Families
Ketan Agarwal, 26, was the son of a prominent Maharashtra businessman and served as a director in the family-run real estate business. He and Siya Goyal announced their engagement in February 2026, with a lavish wedding scheduled for November.
While both families were busy preparing for the wedding, police allege that Siya was simultaneously involved in a relationship with another man, Chetan Chaudhary, 22.
According to investigators, Siya met Chetan during a business meeting in 2025. Siya operated a bakery business, while Chetan owned a dry fruits company. Their relationship allegedly began in November 2025 and continued even as wedding preparations with Ketan progressed.
Police claim that Chetan viewed Ketan as an obstacle and that the two eventually conspired to eliminate him.
The Bali Trip That Never Happened
The investigation has also uncovered details about a cancelled pre-wedding trip to Bali that investigators believe may have been deliberately sabotaged.
Ketan and Siya were scheduled to travel to Bali last month for a pre-wedding photoshoot. However, upon reaching Mumbai airport, Ketan discovered that his passport was missing.
According to Ketan’s father, the passport mysteriously disappeared, forcing the couple to abandon the trip and return home.
Investigators are examining claims that Siya intentionally hid Ketan’s passport to derail the travel plans.
First Alleged Murder Attempt At Lohagad Fort
Police sources claim the alleged conspiracy did not begin on June 18.
According to statements made by Ketan’s family and details emerging from the investigation, Siya allegedly attempted to kill Ketan four days earlier, on June 14, during a visit to Lohagad Fort.
Investigators allege that Siya pushed Ketan near a cliff edge. However, he survived after grabbing hold of a bush and preventing himself from falling into the gorge.
Police say Siya then created a distraction by shouting about a snake nearby before embracing him, preventing immediate suspicion.
After the failed attempt, investigators believe Siya and Chetan devised another plan to carry out the murder.
The June 18 Murder Plot
According to police, Siya invited Ketan to Lohagad Fort on June 18 under the guise of a casual outing.
Investigators claim that Chetan arrived at the location later and followed the couple from a distance. The two allegedly pushed Ketan from behind into a deep gorge, causing fatal injuries.
Authorities say the alleged plan had been discussed several days earlier during a meeting at a cafe.
Police have also revealed that the accused had prepared an alternative “Plan C” in case their previous attempts failed.
Initially, the incident was treated as an accidental death after Siya informed police that Ketan had slipped and fallen due to strong winds while trekking.
However, investigators soon began noticing inconsistencies in her account.
Hoodie-Clad Man Becomes Key Clue
A breakthrough in the case came after investigators reviewed CCTV footage from Lohagad Fort.
The footage reportedly showed Ketan and Siya walking together, while another man followed them at a distance of approximately 20 to 30 feet.
The individual was dressed unusually for the weather, wearing a hoodie that covered most of his face despite temperatures reaching nearly 33 degrees Celsius.
Police identified the man as Chetan Chaudhary.
In one CCTV clip, Siya is allegedly seen turning back and looking towards the hoodie-clad individual. Moments later, the man sits down, behaviour investigators found suspicious.
The footage became one of the key pieces of evidence that shifted the investigation away from the theory of an accidental fall.
Behaviour After Death Raised Suspicions
Investigators have also pointed to Siya’s behaviour after Ketan’s death as another factor that raised red flags.
According to police sources, officers found her reaction unusually calm and inconsistent with that of someone who had just witnessed the death of her fiance.
Combined with CCTV evidence, call records and other investigative findings, police eventually concluded that the death may have been the result of a planned murder rather than an accident.
Arrests And Investigation
Following the investigation, Pune Rural Police arrested Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary on charges including murder and criminal conspiracy.
Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill said investigators examined several angles, including financial issues and personal relationships, before concluding that the accused had allegedly conspired to kill Ketan.
Both accused were produced before a court and remanded to police custody for further interrogation.
As the investigation continues, the case has drawn widespread attention due to the shocking allegations, the alleged failed murder attempt days earlier, and the contrast between the wedding preparations underway and the deadly conspiracy police claim was unfolding behind the scenes.