Ketan Agarwal murder case: Siya, Chetan sent to 14-day judicial custody
Synopsis
A Pune court has sent Ketan Agarwal murder accused Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary to 14-day judicial custody, even as a third suspect — a classmate of Chaudhary allegedly privy to the murder plan — has surfaced. With polygraph tests sought and digital evidence still being recovered, the investigation into the Lohagad Fort murder is widening fast.
Key Takeaways
Vadgaon court sent Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary to 14-day judicial custody on 3 July , after their police remand expired.
Investigators had sought three more days of police custody for face-to-face interrogation and recovery of digital evidence, but the court declined.
Both accused have undergone 11 days of intensive interrogation across successive remand periods covering 18 key aspects of the case.
Pune Rural Police have sought court permission to conduct polygraph tests on both accused; consent of the accused must be recorded first.
A new suspect — a classmate of Chaudhary — has been identified; he allegedly knew of the murder conspiracy in advance.
Police seized clothes, a mobile phone, and documents from Siya's residence, and recorded her statement at a Lullanagar cafe believed to be where the conspiracy was hatched.
A Pune court on Friday, 3 July remanded Siya Goyal and her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary — the two accused in the murder of Ketan Agarwal, a 26-year-old Pune businessman — to 14 days of judicial custody. The Vadgaon court passed the order after the duo's police custody expired on Thursday, despite investigators seeking three additional days of remand.
Why Police Wanted Extended Custody
Investigators had urged the court for a further three-day police remand, citing the need for a face-to-face interrogation of both accused and the recovery of pending digital evidence, including chats and other electronic records linked to the case. The court, however, declined and sent both to judicial custody.
Prior to this, the court had initially granted police seven days of custody, later extended by four days to allow questioning on 18 key aspects of the case. In total, both Siya and Chetan have been subjected to 11 days of intensive interrogation.
Polygraph Test Sought for Both Accused
Pune Rural Police have separately moved the court seeking permission to conduct polygraph tests on both accused. Officials confirmed that the court will first issue notices and record the consent of Siya and Chetan before deciding on the application, as required under established legal procedure.
New Suspect Surfaces in Investigation
A significant development has emerged in the investigation: police sources say a new suspect — a classmate of Chaudhary — has been identified in connection with the case. According to investigators, this individual was allegedly aware of the conspiracy to kill Ketan Agarwal before the murder took place, and Siya and Chaudhary had reportedly discussed the murder plan with him.
Authorities are currently examining the extent of his involvement, and further findings are expected as the probe progresses.
Scene Reconstruction and Evidence Seizure
As part of ongoing investigations, police on Thursday took Siya to her residence, where they seized clothes allegedly worn during the commission of the crime, a mobile phone, and documents considered relevant to the case.
She was subsequently taken to a cafe in Lullanagar, Pune, where investigators believe the conspiracy to murder Ketan was allegedly hatched. Police recorded her statement at the location and conducted an inspection to verify electronic and other evidence linked to the alleged plot.
Background: The Lohagad Fort Murder
Ketan Agarwal was allegedly pushed off a cliff at Lohagad Fort near Pune by his fiancée Siya Goyal and Chaudhary. The case has drawn significant attention, with investigators piecing together a premeditated conspiracy involving the victim's own fiancée and her alleged paramour. As the probe widens with a potential third accused, the full scope of the alleged plot is yet to be established.
Point of View
Which could significantly affect the charges framed. Pune Rural Police's push for polygraph tests is notable; while not admissible as direct evidence in Indian courts, the results can guide further investigation. The speed at which the probe is widening indicates investigators believe the full picture has not yet surfaced.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary sent to judicial custody instead of further police custody?
The Vadgaon court remanded both accused to 14-day judicial custody after their police custody period ended on Thursday, 3 July. Although investigators sought three additional days of police remand citing pending digital evidence and the need for a face-to-face interrogation, the court declined and ordered judicial custody instead.
Who is Ketan Agarwal and how was he allegedly murdered?
Ketan Agarwal was a 26-year-old businessman from Pune who was allegedly pushed off a cliff at Lohagad Fort near Pune. His fiancée Siya Goyal and her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary are the primary accused in the case.
Who is the new suspect identified in the Ketan Agarwal murder case?
Police have identified a classmate of Chetan Chaudhary as a new suspect. Investigators claim this individual was allegedly aware of the conspiracy to kill Ketan Agarwal before the murder and that Siya and Chaudhary had reportedly discussed the murder plan with him. His exact role is still being examined.
What is the status of the polygraph test request?
Pune Rural Police have moved the court seeking permission to administer polygraph tests on both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary. The court will first issue notices and record the consent of the accused before ruling on the request, as mandated under Indian legal procedure.
What evidence has been seized so far in the investigation?
Police seized clothes allegedly worn during the crime, a mobile phone, and relevant documents from Siya Goyal's residence. Investigators also visited a cafe in Lullanagar, Pune — believed to be where the murder conspiracy was hatched — and recorded her statement there while inspecting electronic and other evidence.
