The father of Ketan Agarwal, who was allegedly murdered at Lohagad Fort near Pune, has said he has complete faith in the justice system and is demanding swift punishment for all those responsible. Vishal Agarwal made the statement on 24 June, days after what was initially reported as an accidental death was reclassified as an alleged murder, reportedly planned by Ketan's fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary.

Father's Statement

Speaking to reporters, Vishal Agarwal said: 'I have complete faith in justice system... whoever is involved in this, Siya Goyal, Chetan Chaudhary and others, they should be punished severely and as soon as possible so that my child's soul can be at peace.'

He recalled that in the immediate aftermath of the incident, Siya Goyal told everyone that Ketan had slipped and fallen from the top of the fort. 'Because at that time only they were present at the spot, none of us from the family. So, we understood whatever she said. But slowly, things came to light. Police recovered evidences and we too doubted certain things,' he added.

Family Kept in the Dark

Vishal Agarwal claimed the family was deliberately kept uninformed about Siya Goyal's background. 'A lot has been hidden from us about Siya. Her education, lifestyle and drinking habit. Today I saw her drinking videos on a channel. Her aunt hid all this from us and instead guaranteed that she is a very good girl,' he said.

He added that the tragedy could have been avoided had Siya Goyal simply refused the marriage by disclosing her alleged relationship with another man.

Accused's Relative Denies Involvement

Meanwhile, Udaram Chaudhary, a relative of the accused Chetan Chaudhary, maintained that the latter had no role in the incident. 'As far as we know, Chetan is not involved in this matter at all; he is completely innocent,' he told reporters. He also stated that the family had no prior knowledge of Siya Goyal, learning her name only through media coverage.

Rescue Team Describes Recovery Operation

Sunil Gaikwad, a member of the team that retrieved the victim's body, provided a detailed account of the operation. 'By 12:30 pm the operation was completed, after which we handed over the body to the police. The body was found from a height of more than 250 feet. There were severe injuries on the head, and multiple marks on other parts of the body as well,' he said.

Gaikwad noted that the terrain — mountains, forest, and a deep slope — made bringing the body down difficult, though the rescue itself was not especially challenging. He also observed that Siya Goyal was present at the scene but appeared unemotional. 'She was not emotional but was just standing there,' he said.

Background and What Comes Next

The case drew public attention after investigators reportedly found evidence contradicting the initial account of an accidental fall. Police are said to have recovered material evidence pointing to premeditation, according to reports. The case underscores growing concerns about crimes at remote trekking locations in Maharashtra, where limited surveillance and difficult terrain complicate early investigation. As the case moves through the legal process, Vishal Agarwal has made clear the family will press for the most stringent action possible.