Pune murder case: Fiancee allegedly chose killing over calling off wedding
Synopsis
A Pune murder probe has surfaced a disturbing alleged motive: the accused, Siya Goyal, reportedly told police she chose to kill her fiancé rather than face her family and call off their arranged wedding. With 2,000-plus calls logged between Goyal and co-accused Chetan Chaudhary, and six police teams now active, the case is rapidly building toward a conspiracy charge.
Key Takeaways
Pune-based realtor Ketan Agarwal died on 18 June after falling from a cliff at Lohagad Fort ; police allege it was murder.
Accused Siya Goyal allegedly told investigators she found it 'easier' to kill her fiancé than to break off their arranged marriage scheduled for November .
Co-accused Chetan Chaudhary , allegedly Goyal's lover, is said to have conspired with her; call records show over 2,000 calls totalling 238 hours since January.
Goyal's brother Sahil Goyal underwent nearly 10 hours of questioning; her parents denied ever meeting Chaudhary.
Six police teams from Pune and Lonavala are investigating; deleted mobile data recovery is a key focus.
A Pune murder investigation has taken a chilling turn, with police claiming that accused Siya Goyal allegedly told investigators she found it easier to kill her fiancé, realtor Ketan Agarwal, than to break off their arranged marriage and disappoint her family. Agarwal, a Pune-based property dealer, died on 18 June after falling from a cliff at Lohagad Fort, and investigators allege the fall was no accident.
What Police Allege
According to Pune Rural Police sources, Goyal allegedly confessed during questioning that she did not want to go ahead with her scheduled November wedding to Agarwal. She reportedly told investigators that she feared hurting her family's sentiments by refusing the marriage, and that eliminating her fiancé seemed, in her own words, the 'easier' option. Police allege that Goyal and her co-accused, Chetan Chaudhary, conspired together to carry out the killing.
The Alleged Relationship and Digital Trail
Investigators claim that Goyal and Chaudhary first met at one of his cricket matches, with their relationship reportedly deepening after they reconnected at a common friend's Diwali party last year. Call detail records examined by police allegedly show the two spoke more than 2,000 times since January, with total call duration amounting to approximately 238 hours — a pattern investigators say points to a close and sustained relationship.
Goyal's brother, Sahil Goyal, confirmed during nearly 10 hours of questioning at Lonavala City Police Station that he knew Chaudhary and was aware of how his sister first met him. Goyal's parents, however, have denied ever meeting or speaking to Chaudhary, according to police.
Investigation Widens
Pune and Lonavala Police have assembled six teams to probe the case. Investigators are questioning family members, scrutinising digital evidence, and working to recover deleted data from the mobile phones of both accused to reinforce the alleged conspiracy angle. Goyal's parents are currently being questioned, and Sahil Goyal has been called in for a second round of interrogation.
Goyal's lawyer has maintained that Chaudhary was merely a friend, pushing back against the conspiracy narrative being built by investigators.
Background and Context
The death of Ketan Agarwal on 18 June at the historic Lohagad Fort near Pune was initially treated as a suspicious fall. Subsequent investigation led police to detain Goyal and Chaudhary. The case has drawn attention to the pressures of arranged marriages and the lengths to which individuals may allegedly go to avoid confronting family expectations — a pattern that has surfaced in other high-profile cases across India in recent years.
As police continue to build their case, the recovery of deleted digital data from the accused's phones is expected to be a critical next step in establishing the alleged premeditated nature of the crime.
Point of View
As reported, is sourced entirely from police claims, and Goyal's lawyer has contested the conspiracy framing. Until charges are formally filed and digital evidence is tested in court, the 'easier to kill' narrative remains an allegation, not a finding.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ketan Agarwal and how did he die?
Ketan Agarwal was a Pune-based realtor who died on 18 June after falling from a cliff at Lohagad Fort near Pune. Police allege the fall was not accidental and have arrested his fiancée Siya Goyal and her alleged associate Chetan Chaudhary in connection with his death.
What did Siya Goyal allegedly tell police?
According to Pune Rural Police sources, Goyal allegedly told investigators during questioning that she found it easier to kill her fiancé than to call off their arranged marriage, as she did not want to disappoint her family. These are police claims; her lawyer has not confirmed them.
Who is Chetan Chaudhary and what is his alleged role?
Chetan Chaudhary is the co-accused in the case, described by investigators as Goyal's alleged lover. Police allege the two conspired to kill Agarwal. Call records reportedly show they spoke over 2,000 times for a combined 238 hours since January. Goyal's lawyer maintains Chaudhary was merely her friend.
How is the investigation being conducted?
Pune and Lonavala Police have formed six dedicated teams to probe the case. Investigators are questioning family members — including Goyal's parents and her brother Sahil Goyal — and are working to recover deleted data from the mobile phones of both accused to establish the alleged conspiracy.
What happens next in the Pune murder case?
Police are focused on recovering deleted digital evidence from the accused's phones, which they say will be critical to proving premeditation. Further rounds of questioning of family members are underway, and investigators say they have already identified the alleged roles of both accused.
