Pune, Maharashtra: What initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident at the historic Lohagad Fort has now become one of Maharashtra’s most sensational criminal investigations. At the center of the case are 26-year-old Ketan Agrawal, his fiancée Siya Goel, and Siya’s alleged boyfriend, Chetan Chaudhary.
According to investigators, what unfolded on the morning of June 18 was not a tragic accident but the culmination of weeks of planning, deception, and an alleged conspiracy that ended with Ketan plunging into a 340-foot gorge.
A Friendship Between Two Families
The story begins long before the events at Lohagad Fort.
The Agrawal and Goel families had reportedly shared a close friendship for more than 35 years. Both families were well-known business households in Pune. Ketan’s family was involved in real estate, while Siya’s family operated businesses in real estate, dry fruits, and spices.
Their relationship went beyond business. Family gatherings, weddings, festivals, and celebrations often brought the two families together.
After completing his MBA in Boston, United States, Ketan returned to Pune and joined his father’s business. By 2025, his family had begun searching for a suitable bride.
A relative reportedly suggested Siya, someone the family already knew well. The proposal was quickly accepted. Despite concerns about Siya’s young age, the families moved forward, and the couple got engaged on February 11, 2026. Their wedding was fixed for November 25, 2026.
A Secret Relationship
Investigators allege that Siya was not happy with the arranged marriage.
According to the police theory, Siya had developed a relationship with 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, the owner of a pastry shop in Pune. The two allegedly grew close after meeting regularly at the shop.
Before Chetan, Siya had reportedly been in another relationship during her college years, but that relationship ended in early 2025.
As the wedding date approached, investigators believe Siya became increasingly anxious. While she continued appearing happy in front of both families and maintained a normal relationship with Ketan, police allege that privately she was discussing ways to avoid the marriage with Chetan.
The First Visit to Lohagad Fort
Investigators believe the alleged murder plan began taking shape on May 31.
Ketan, an avid trekking enthusiast, invited Siya to visit Lohagad Fort, located approximately 52 kilometers from Pune. According to the investigation, it was during this trip that Siya allegedly noticed the steep cliffs surrounding the fort.
Police claim she realized that a fatal fall from the fort could easily be mistaken for an accident.
According to investigators, this visit planted the idea that later became central to the alleged conspiracy.
The Failed Attempt
Just days later, Siya reportedly insisted on visiting the fort again.
A planned pre-wedding trip to Bali was cancelled after Ketan’s passport allegedly went missing. Investigators suspect this cancellation was significant because it allowed another opportunity to revisit Lohagad.
On June 14, the couple returned to the fort.
Police allege that while standing near a secluded section away from the popular selfie point, Siya attempted to push Ketan into a gorge.
The attempt failed.
Investigators claim Ketan stumbled backward and collided with a tree that prevented him from falling into the valley below.
According to the police version, Siya immediately explained the incident by claiming she had seen a snake and was trying to protect him.
Ketan reportedly accepted the explanation and remained unaware of the danger he had narrowly escaped.
Planning the Final Trip
As June 19—Siya’s birthday—approached, the pressure intensified.
The Agrawal family had reportedly arranged celebrations at a resort in Mahabaleshwar. At the same time, discussions about pre-wedding photography were underway.
Investigators believe Siya used the idea of scouting locations for a pre-wedding shoot as a reason to return to Lohagad Fort one final time.
Initially, Ketan’s parents were reluctant to allow the trip. However, police say Siya personally spoke to Ketan’s mother and requested permission, explaining that she wanted to celebrate with friends before joining family celebrations the next day.
Permission was eventually granted.
June 18: The Morning of the Incident
According to investigators, the events of June 18 were carefully coordinated.
Police allege that Chetan took several steps to conceal his movements. He reportedly left his personal phone behind, borrowed an employee’s device, turned off internet services, and wore a hoodie to conceal his identity.
Around 8 a.m., Siya picked up Ketan in her car, and the pair began the journey to Lohagad Fort.
At roughly the same time, Chetan allegedly left separately on a scooter.
The couple arrived near the fort around 9 a.m. and parked at the designated parking area. From there, they began the trek toward the fort entrance.
Investigators say Siya purchased entry tickets for both herself and Ketan using digital payment.
A short time later, Chetan allegedly arrived at the entrance. Security staff reportedly asked him to purchase a ticket, but he claimed he would pay later after exercising inside the fort premises.
Police believe this encounter was significant because it placed him near the scene.
The Final Moments
The climb to the top takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
According to investigators, Chetan followed the couple from a distance of around 20 steps while remaining out of sight.
As they explored potential photography locations, Siya allegedly guided Ketan toward increasingly isolated sections of the fort.
Eventually, investigators say the trio converged near a secluded cliff edge. Unlike other areas of the fort, this location reportedly had no safety railings and no trees that could break a fall.
Police allege that Siya sent a signal to Chetan, who then approached the couple.
What happened next forms the core of the prosecution’s case.
Investigators claim that Siya and Chetan pushed Ketan from the cliff edge, sending him into a gorge estimated to be around 340 feet deep.
After the Fall
According to police, Chetan immediately left the area while Siya remained behind.
Moments later, she reportedly began screaming for help.
Security staff rushed to the scene and were told that Ketan had slipped and fallen.
Emergency services were alerted, and search operations began.
Siya also called her mother, who in turn informed Ketan’s family. According to Ketan’s father, the family received the devastating call around 10:45 a.m.
Rescue teams eventually recovered Ketan’s body from the gorge.
Initially, the incident was treated as a tragic accident.
The Investigation Turns
The case took a dramatic turn as investigators began reviewing evidence.
Police examined CCTV footage, mobile phone records, digital communications, witness statements, and location data.
According to investigators, the evidence eventually led them to suspect that Ketan’s death was not accidental.
The investigation also reportedly uncovered social media activity that drew attention. Following Ketan’s death, Siya allegedly posted an emotional message mourning her fiancé and expressing disbelief over his passing.
Investigators later cited the contrast between the post and their findings as part of the broader investigation.
Arrests and Ongoing Proceedings
Police subsequently detained and questioned both Siya and Chetan.
Following interrogation, both were arrested and charged in connection with Ketan’s death.
The case has sparked intense public interest across Maharashtra, raising questions about trust, relationships, and the lengths to which individuals may allegedly go to avoid unwanted commitments.
However, it is important to note that the allegations remain under judicial scrutiny. Both accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
As the investigation continues, the events of June 18 at Lohagad Fort remain at the center of one of Pune’s most closely watched criminal cases.
