The investigation into the alleged murder of 26-year-old Ketan Agarwal at Pune's Lohagad Fort intensified on Friday, 26 June, as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a fast-track trial and appointed senior advocate and Rajya Sabha member Ujjwal Nikam as the special public prosecutor. The case has gripped the state, with both families making emotional public appeals and police preparing to recreate the crime scene using a dummy body.

Key Developments

Police allege that Ketan was pushed off a cliff at Lohagad Fort on 18 June by his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators claim the two conspired to eliminate him because Goyal no longer wished to proceed with their November wedding. With no eyewitnesses, the case rests heavily on circumstantial evidence. Seven people have been questioned so far, including an employee whose mobile phone was allegedly used by Chaudhary to communicate with Goyal on the day of the incident.

What the Government Said

Chief Minister Fadnavis met Ketan's father, Vishal Agarwal, in Pune and assured the family that the state would spare no effort in securing justice. Following the meeting, the government formally approved the appointment of Ujjwal Nikam — a veteran prosecutor known for handling high-profile cases — to lead the prosecution. Fadnavis also described the alleged crime as not merely a criminal act but a 'disturbing social issue', calling for introspection into why educated youth from affluent families were increasingly developing a 'vengeful and distorted mindset'.

Families Speak Out

Vishal Agarwal dismissed speculation that his son's use of a hair patch could have been a motive for the killing, asserting that Goyal and her family were already aware of it well before the engagement. 'If she did not want to marry him, she could have simply refused,' he said. He also disputed claims that Ketan had insisted on the trek, maintaining that Goyal had wanted to visit the fort. Agarwal demanded the death penalty for the accused and confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted to probe the case.

In a rare public statement, Siya Goyal's parents expressed grief over Ketan's death and extended condolences to his family. While describing the tragedy as one that had destroyed two families, they said that if their daughter was found guilty, she deserved the strictest punishment under the law. Goyal's lawyer confirmed she was cooperating with investigators and that her vakalatnama would be filed before the court shortly.

What Investigators Are Doing Next

Police are set to recreate the crime scene at Lohagad Fort using a dummy body to establish the sequence of events. The appointment of Nikam signals the state's intent to pursue a swift and robust prosecution. This comes amid growing public debate about premeditated violence in personal relationships among young, educated urban Indians — a pattern that authorities say warrants broader societal reflection.