Ketan Agarwal murder: Police recover Siya's clothes, probe uncovers rehearsal at Lullanagar
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Pune Rural Police on Thursday, 3 July recovered clothes allegedly worn by prime accused Siya Goyal on the day Pune-based businessman and realtor Ketan Agarwal was allegedly pushed to his death from Lohagad Fort on 18 June. The garments, seized from Goyal's residence, will be sent for forensic examination as investigators build what they describe as a meticulously planned murder conspiracy case.
Key Developments in the Investigation
A police team escorted Siya Goyal, 20, to her residence on Thursday morning for the recovery. Investigators expect forensic analysis of the seized clothes to help establish the sequence of events surrounding the alleged killing of Ketan Agarwal, 26. The recovery marks a significant evidentiary step as the case moves toward a charge sheet.
On the same day, police conducted a crime scene reconstruction at an open ground in Pune's Lullanagar area — a location investigators believe was used by Goyal and co-accused Chetan Chaudhary, 22, to rehearse pushing Agarwal off a cliff before executing the alleged plan at Lohagad Fort. A detailed panchnama documenting the site inspection was prepared and is expected to form part of the evidence presented before the court.
The Alleged Rehearsal and Pre-Planning
According to police sources, both accused allegedly disclosed during questioning that they had practised the act at the Lullanagar hill area, located near a military zone, before carrying out the alleged murder. Investigators also believe the two had visited Lohagad Fort on a prior occasion to familiarise themselves with the terrain.
The investigation has further revealed that the accused allegedly searched online for ways to kill Agarwal before the incident — an element investigators say points to deliberate premeditation. According to police, the murder plan was allegedly finalised several weeks before the incident, reportedly by the end of May. The two are also said to have prepared responses they would give if questioned by police after the crime.
Steps Taken to Evade Detection
Investigators stated that Chaudhary allegedly travelled to Lohagad Fort on a scooter rather than a car, specifically to avoid generating electronic toll records and reduce exposure to CCTV cameras. The scooter used during the incident has since been seized by police.
Chaudhary also allegedly wore a hoodie while trekking at the fort to conceal his identity. However, police believe the unusual choice of warm clothing in hot weather drew attention and ultimately became a significant investigative lead.
Custody Status and Polygraph Request
Both accused remain in police custody until 3 July as the investigation continues. Investigators are seeking court permission to conduct polygraph (lie detector) tests on both Goyal and Chaudhary. Officials intend to compare polygraph results against the physical and digital evidence collected so far to strengthen the case.
Notably, this is among the more elaborately pre-planned alleged murders to emerge from Pune in recent years, with investigators pointing to online searches, location reconnaissance, rehearsals, and deliberate evasion tactics as evidence of sustained criminal intent. The investigation remains ongoing, with a charge sheet expected once forensic results are received.