The inquiry into the killing of Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal has revealed a complex chain of digital records, covert gatherings, contradictory accounts and rival assertions. Pune Police now state that co-accused Chetan Chaudhary urged Siya Goyal to kill her fiance.
The inquiry shows what authorities describe as a carefully arranged scheme involving months of telephone exchanges, a cafe encounter, unsuccessful efforts, electronic traces and phone exchanges reportedly used to avoid notice. Families have meanwhile advanced opposing accounts of the possible reason for the death.
Ketan, aged 25, died after being forced into a gorge at Lohagad Fort on June 18. His fiancee, 20-year-old Siya Goyal, and her partner, 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, were detained for the killing, which investigators say resulted from weeks of preparation rather than an impulsive act.
Latest findings indicate Chetan as the main instigator. Police sources noted that although both suspects initially blamed each other, authorities determined Chetan had repeatedly encouraged Siya to remove Ketan so the pair could remain together.
Questioning showed Chetan persuaded Siya to carry out the act at Lohagad Fort, a police official stated. Officers also questioned Siya’s brother Sahil Goyal, who knew of her relationship with Chetan, while her parents denied any awareness of the affair.
During questioning both suspects first tried to assign blame to each other before admitting their parts, officials said. The couple reportedly avoided eloping due to concerns over family reputation and instead chose to remove Ketan.
Police reconstruction indicates Siya was to sit near the cliff edge at the chosen location and give Chetan a prearranged signal. He would then approach from behind and push Ketan into the gorge.
Ketan was unaware and was forced over the edge before he could react, an investigating officer said. June 18 marked the third attempt. Siya had urged him to visit Lohagad Fort on May 31 and June 4, though the second trip was cancelled after his mother’s objection.
On June 14 Siya pushed Ketan near the edge, but he survived by grasping a bush. When questioned he was told a snake was nearby and the push was meant to save him.
Investigators believe the plan was finalised the day before the killing. CCTV showed Siya and Chetan meeting at a Third Wave Cafe in Pune on June 17, where they reportedly completed arrangements.
During the meeting Siya viewed online videos of Lohagad Fort and shared location details with Chetan before selecting the isolated spot.
Records show extensive contact between the pair. Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill stated Siya and Chetan made 2,004 calls from January to June, totalling nearly 238 hours.
Several talks lasted two to three hours and were viewed as part of the planning.
Police found evidence of efforts to delete messages. Both suspects removed chats from their phones before and after the incident.
Mobile devices were sent for forensic examination to recover deleted data. Retrieved messages are expected to provide key details on the alleged scheme.
Authorities also dismantled Chetan’s reported alibi. On the day of the murder he left his phone at his dry fruit shop with employee Neeraj Kumar to suggest he had stayed at work. Technical checks showed the phone’s mobile data remained off from 7 am to 5.40 pm on June 18, receiving only incoming calls.
