Ketan Agarwal murder: Accused Siya Goyal flashes middle finger at media in Pune
Synopsis
Siya Goyal, accused of conspiring to push her fiance Ketan Agarwal to his death at Lohagad Fort, flashed the middle finger at media cameras as police escorted her from her Pune home. The gesture went viral — but the details emerging from the investigation are far more chilling: an alleged first failed attempt on 14 June, a fabricated snake sighting, and a second, fatal push on 18 June.
Key Takeaways
Siya Goyal , prime accused in the Ketan Agarwal murder case , made an obscene gesture at media on 3 July during a police escort in Pune's Market Yard .
Police allege she and Chetan Chaudhary pushed Ketan Agarwal into a gorge at Lohagad Fort on 18 June , killing him.
An alleged earlier attempt on 14 June failed after Ketan survived by grabbing onto cliffside bushes.
The case was initially registered as an accidental death before investigators found inconsistencies in Siya's statements.
Both accused face charges of murder and criminal conspiracy and are to be produced before Vadgaon court , where police will seek custody extension.
Prime accused in the Ketan Agarwal murder case, Siya Goyal, was caught on camera making an obscene gesture at media personnel on Thursday, 3 July, as police escorted her from her residence in Pune's Market Yard area during the ongoing investigation into the Lohagad Fort murder. The footage quickly spread online, drawing widespread condemnation.
The Incident Outside Her Residence
Dressed in a black T-shirt with a printed scarf covering her face, Siya Goyal briefly turned toward reporters gathered outside her home before raising her middle finger at the cameras. The video circulated rapidly across social media platforms, with many users criticising the gesture as insensitive and inappropriate given the gravity of the charges she faces.
How the Murder Allegedly Unfolded
According to police, Siya Goyal and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary, conspired to kill businessman Ketan Agarwal by pushing him into a gorge at Lohagad Fort, near Pune, on 18 June. Investigators allege this was not an isolated act — on 14 June, Siya had allegedly made an earlier attempt to push Ketan from the fort. He survived by grabbing onto bushes along the cliffside. Police claim she then fabricated a snake sighting to divert attention and calm Ketan's suspicions.
Investigators allege she subsequently persuaded Ketan to return to the fort, where Chetan also arrived. The two are accused of pushing him into the gorge from behind, causing his death.
How the Case Shifted from Accident to Murder
Initially, Siya reportedly told investigators that Ketan had accidentally slipped and fallen, prompting police to register an accidental death case. However, according to investigators, inconsistencies in her statements and behaviour during questioning raised suspicion. The probe then uncovered evidence that led to the arrest of both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
The Motive Investigators Allege
Police said the families of Siya Goyal and Ketan Agarwal had fixed their marriage, with the wedding scheduled for November 2025. Investigators allege that Chetan Chaudhary was opposed to the engagement and regarded Ketan as an obstacle to his relationship with Siya — a motive that allegedly drove the two to plan the murder.
What Happens Next in Court
Both accused are scheduled to be produced before the Vadgaon court, where the Pune Rural Police is expected to seek an extension of their custody. The defence, meanwhile, is anticipated to move for judicial custody. The case continues to draw intense public attention as investigators build their charge sheet.
Point of View
A fabricated distraction, and a calculated return visit to the scene, all pointing to a degree of planning that makes this far more than a crime of passion. What the case also exposes is how quickly an 'accidental death' closure can be reversed when investigators look harder — a reminder that initial police classifications in high-stakes cases deserve scrutiny. As the Vadgaon court hearing approaches, the custody battle will be the first real legal test of how solid the evidence actually is.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Siya Goyal and what is she accused of?
Siya Goyal is the prime accused in the Ketan Agarwal murder case in Pune. She and her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary are accused of conspiring to push businessman Ketan Agarwal into a gorge at Lohagad Fort on 18 June, resulting in his death.
Why did the case shift from accidental death to murder?
Police initially registered an accidental death case based on Siya's claim that Ketan had slipped and fallen. Investigators later found inconsistencies in her statements and behaviour during questioning, which led to fresh evidence and the reclassification of the case as murder and criminal conspiracy.
What is the alleged motive in the Lohagad Fort murder?
According to investigators, Siya Goyal's families had fixed her marriage to Ketan Agarwal, scheduled for November 2025. Chetan Chaudhary allegedly viewed Ketan as an obstacle to his relationship with Siya, which police claim prompted the two to plan the killing.
Was there an earlier attempt on Ketan Agarwal's life?
Yes. Police allege that Siya made a first attempt to push Ketan from Lohagad Fort on 14 June. He survived by grabbing onto bushes along the cliffside. Investigators claim she then fabricated a snake sighting to divert attention before eventually persuading him to return to the fort on 18 June.
What is the current legal status of Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary?
Both accused have been arrested on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy. They are scheduled to be produced before the Vadgaon court, where Pune Rural Police will seek an extension of their custody while the defence is expected to seek judicial custody.
