Police have arrested Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary for the alleged murder of real estate businessman Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort near Pune. Investigators say the pair conspired to push Agarwal to his death on June 18, a crime they initially attempted to mask as a trekking accident.
How did CCTV footage lead to the arrests?
Investigators identified the breakthrough after reviewing footage from cameras installed near the Lohagad Fort ticket counter. According to a police officer involved in the case, the footage showed Agarwal and Goyal walking together, followed closely by a man in a hoodie.
The officer noted the man was wearing shorts and a hoodie with the front pulled low to hide his face. He also wore a headset over the hood. In another clip, police observed Goyal looking back suddenly while the hooded man simultaneously sat down.
The clothing choice raised immediate red flags for investigators. Officials confirmed the temperature on June 18 was approximately 33 degrees Celsius, prompting questions about why a man would wear a hoodie in such heat.
What evidence linked Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary?
Police identified the hooded individual as Chetan Chaudhary, who they allege was in a relationship with Goyal. Digital forensics played a major role in connecting the two suspects.
According to officers, call records revealed thousands of exchanges between Goyal and Chaudhary over an extended period. Many of these conversations reportedly lasted for hours.
Technical analysis of these records, combined with a comparison of social media profiles and CCTV images, allowed the Lonavla Rural police and the Local Crime Branch to trace and detain Chaudhary. Both suspects have since been booked on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
Were there previous attempts on Agarwal’s life?
Police allege that the fatal fall was the result of multiple attempts to kill Agarwal. According to investigators, Goyal and Chaudhary had targeted him on several occasions prior to June 18.
On May 31, Goyal allegedly tried to push Agarwal from the cliff. Agarwal’s father, Vishal Agarwal, told reporters that his son survived that attempt only by clutching onto a bush. Vishal Agarwal stated that Goyal then claimed she pushed him to save him from a snake.
A second attempt was reportedly prevented on June 4 when Agarwal’s mother stopped him from visiting the fort. Police also noted a suspicious incident on June 6 when Agarwal’s passport went missing during a trip to a mall. Senior inspector Dinesh Tayade of Lonavla Rural police said Goyal may have misplaced the passport when she returned to a vehicle alone.
Why did the suspects allegedly choose murder?
During interrogation, Chaudhary allegedly provided insight into the motive. According to police, Chaudhary stated that Goyal was unwilling to elope with him because she feared the act would bring disrespect to her family.
The victim, Ketan Agarwal, served as a director and chief marketing officer for the Success Group real estate firm. He and Goyal had been engaged since February and were planning a wedding in Udaipur for November.
Vishal Agarwal expressed devastation over the incident, noting that the family had known Goyal’s family for 35 to 40 years. He stated he would seek a fast-track trial and demand action against all involved parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been arrested in connection with Ketan Agarwal’s death?
Police have arrested Ketan Agarwal’s fiancée, Siya Goyal, and Chetan Chaudhary.
What was the initial explanation for Agarwal’s death?
The incident was initially registered as an accidental death after Goyal told the family that Agarwal had slipped while trekking.
What evidence helped police identify the suspect in the CCTV footage?
Police noticed a man wearing a hoodie in 33-degree Celsius heat, which led them to examine call records and social media profiles to identify Chetan Chaudhary.
How should digital evidence be prioritized in investigations involving alleged premeditated crimes?
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