Pune Lohagad Fort Murder Case: How Alleged Love Triangle Turned Into A Carefully Planned Crime
Pune : A disturbing murder investigation in Pune has revealed chilling details of how a young relationship allegedly turned into a pre-planned killing, complete with rehearsal, coded signals and digital clean-up attempts, according to police findings.
The case involves Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary, who are accused of plotting the murder of Ketan Agarwal by pushing him off Lohagad Fort near Pune on June 18.
What initially looked like a tragic accident has now taken the shape of a premeditated murder conspiracy, with investigators claiming that the accused carefully planned not only the execution of the crime but also steps to mislead the police afterward.
Alleged planning and rehearsal before the crime
According to police officers involved in the investigation, the conspiracy did not begin on the day of the incident. Instead, it allegedly started days earlier, when Siya and Chetan reportedly practised how to push a person off a height.
This rehearsal was reportedly carried out in an open area near a club in Lulla Nagar, Pune. Investigators say the purpose of this practice was to ensure coordination during the actual incident and reduce the chances of failure or suspicion.
Police also said they later took Siya back to the same location to reconstruct how the alleged practice was done, in order to understand the planning process more clearly.
Officials believe this level of preparation indicates that the act was not impulsive but carefully thought out in advance.
Coded signal allegedly used during execution
One of the most striking revelations in the case is the alleged use of a coded signal to execute the plan.
Investigators say the accused decided in advance that Siya would give a specific signal at the crucial moment. As per the plan, she allegedly sat down on the ground near the edge of the fort, which was meant to indicate to Chetan that it was time to act.
Police believe that once this signal was given at Lohagad Fort, Chetan allegedly pushed Ketan Agarwal into a deep gorge of around 350 metres.
Events at Lohagad Fort
On June 18, Ketan Agarwal, who was engaged to Siya Goyal, visited Lohagad Fort near Pune along with her. According to police, Chetan Chaudhary was already present at the location, dressed in a hoodie to avoid being identified.
Investigators say Chetan followed the couple discreetly as they moved around the fort, waiting for the pre-decided moment. At a specific point near the edge of the fort, the alleged signal was given, after which Ketan was pushed into the gorge.
What followed was initially treated as an accidental fall, but inconsistencies in statements and circumstances led police to launch a deeper investigation, eventually treating it as a suspected murder.
Digital trail and attempts to cover evidence
Police have also uncovered what they believe were deliberate attempts to destroy evidence and avoid detection.
Investigators say Siya and Chetan deleted their chat histories and tried to erase their digital communication. Authorities also found that the accused allegedly used the internet to search for ways to avoid police detection after committing a crime.
Officials believe these actions were part of a broader attempt to misdirect investigators and make the incident appear like an accident rather than a planned murder.
Relationship angle and alleged motive
The case has also drawn attention due to its complicated relationship dynamics.
According to police, Siya was engaged to Ketan earlier this year, with their marriage reportedly scheduled for later in 2026. However, investigators claim that Siya was simultaneously in a relationship with Chetan since October and did not want to proceed with the arranged marriage.
This alleged love triangle is believed to have become the central motive behind the conspiracy. Police suggest that emotional conflict and relationship pressure may have led to the planning of the crime.
Investigation and ongoing probe
The investigation is still ongoing, with police examining mobile phones, deleted data, communication records and location details. Teams are also reconstructing the sequence of events to understand the exact planning timeline and coordination between the accused.
Officers say they are also investigating why Lulla Nagar was chosen for practice sessions and how the duo coordinated movements at Lohagad Fort without raising suspicion.
Wider impact of the case
The case has shocked many due to the level of alleged planning involved—especially the combination of rehearsal, coded signals and attempts to erase digital footprints. What appeared at first to be an unfortunate accident has now become one of Pune’s most closely watched murder investigations.
Authorities say more details are expected to emerge as forensic and digital evidence analysis continues.
For now, the case stands as a grim reminder of how personal conflicts, if left unchecked, can escalate into serious and tragic consequences.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
