Engaged in February, Dead by June: The Chilling Murder of Pune Realtor Ketan Agarwal That Shocked the Nation
Maharashtra , 25 June : What began as a love story heading toward marriage ended in a shocking tragedy that has left many across the country stunned. Pune-based businessman Ketan Agarwal, just 26 years old, was engaged in February and preparing for his wedding in November. But within months, his life was cut short in what police now believe was a planned murder allegedly orchestrated by his own fiancée and her lover.
Ketan died on June 18 during a trek at Lohagad Fort near Lonavala, a popular trekking destination in Maharashtra. At first, the incident appeared to be a tragic accident. His fiancée, Siya Goyal, told police and Ketan’s family that he had slipped while taking photographs near the edge of the fort and fallen into the gorge.
But Ketan’s family refused to believe the story.
They said Ketan was not new to trekking. He was experienced, knew the terrain well, and was careful during such trips. To them, the explanation that he simply lost balance did not make sense.
As police began investigating deeper, the case took a dark turn.
According to investigators, Ketan’s death was not an accident—it was murder.
Police allege that Siya, along with her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary, planned to kill Ketan after Siya felt trapped in an engagement she did not want. Reports suggest Siya was under family pressure to go ahead with the marriage, even though she was not mentally prepared for it.
Ketan and Siya had gotten engaged in February and were set to marry in a grand ceremony in Udaipur this November, with a palace reportedly booked for the celebration. But behind the scenes, Siya was allegedly struggling with the relationship.
Her family members had reportedly noticed signs of hesitation. Ketan’s uncle told investigators that Siya had earlier asked whether the wedding could be postponed by a year, saying she needed more time.
But instead of calling off the wedding or walking away, police say she made a far more dangerous choice.
Investigators believe the murder plan first took shape during an earlier visit to Lohagad Fort on May 31. During that trip, Siya allegedly noticed Ketan sitting close to the edge of the fort and realised how vulnerable he could be in such a location.
Police suspect that from that moment, the idea of killing him began.
Shockingly, officials say there was even an earlier failed murder attempt.
On June 14, just days before Ketan’s death, Siya allegedly tried to push him off the same fort. But Ketan managed to save himself by grabbing onto a bush. When he questioned what had happened, Siya reportedly pretended there was a snake nearby and claimed she was trying to protect him.
Ketan survived that day—but just four days later, he returned to the fort again.
This time, police say, the plan was executed.
The trip was reportedly organised to celebrate Siya’s 20th birthday. What Ketan likely believed was a romantic outing turned into his final journey.
Investigators claim Siya and Chetan wanted to “eliminate” Ketan before he and Siya were supposed to travel to Bali for a pre-wedding photoshoot. Interestingly, that trip never happened because Ketan’s passport had mysteriously gone missing—a detail police are now examining closely.
Digital evidence, CCTV footage, and circumstantial findings reportedly linked Chetan to the crime. One key clue was footage showing a man wearing a hoodie at the fort despite temperatures being around 33°C, which investigators believe was Chetan.
Both Siya and Chetan are now in police custody until June 29 as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, Chetan’s father, Babulal Chaudhary, has defended his son and claimed he is being falsely implicated. He insists Chetan was only present at the location and did not push Ketan.
The murder has shocked not just Pune but the entire country because of its disturbing details—an engagement, wedding plans, family celebrations, and a relationship that appeared normal from the outside, all hiding a deadly conspiracy underneath.
For Ketan’s family, what should have been a joyful year filled with wedding preparations has turned into unimaginable grief. And for many, the case serves as a chilling reminder of how betrayal can sometimes come from the people closest to us.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
