The investigation into the alleged murder of Ketan Agarwal, son of a prominent Pune-based businessman, at Lohagad Fort is gaining momentum, with police confirming they are constructing an independent evidentiary chain that goes well beyond statements recorded before law enforcement officials. The case, which initially appeared to be an accidental fall, has since evolved into a premeditated murder probe involving two suspects.

What the Superintendent of Police Said

Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural, Sandeep Gill, addressed the evidentiary strategy on 26 June, stressing the legal limitations of confession-based prosecution. 'A confession made before the police is not admissible in court. Therefore, we have to independently establish our evidence. We must corroborate the evidence and present it in a logical and legally sustainable manner. Our team is currently working on that. Whatever information we are receiving from the accused, relatives, and also circumstantial evidence, based on what we are proceeding forward,' Gill said.

The remarks signal that investigators are aware of the evidentiary hurdles ahead and are working to build a case that can withstand judicial scrutiny.

How the Alleged Conspiracy Unfolded

According to police inputs, Ketan Agarwal's fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged partner, Chetan Babulal Chaudhary, are suspected of having conspired in advance to kill him during a trip to Lohagad Fort and stage his death as an accidental fall. Investigators are examining CCTV footage that reportedly shows Siya Goyal meeting Chaudhary at a café in Pune on 18 June, where the alleged plan is said to have been discussed.

Notably, the meeting at the café preceded the incident at the fort by several days, pointing — according to investigators — to premeditation rather than impulse.

Background: An Engagement Ahead of a Lavish Wedding

Ketan Agarwal had been engaged to Siya Goyal in February this year. Both families were reportedly preparing for a high-profile wedding scheduled for November. The circumstances of a planned celebration turning into a murder investigation have drawn significant public attention to the case.

What the Security Guard Witnessed

A security guard at Lohagad Fort, identified as Dheeraj Jadhav, stated that he rushed to the scene after hearing screams. He said Siya Goyal told him 'someone fell off the fort' and that he also heard her shouting 'Help, help.' Jadhav said he immediately alerted police after the incident.

The guard's account forms part of the circumstantial evidence that investigators are weaving into the broader case narrative.

Current Status and What Comes Next

Both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary are currently in custody. Police have confirmed that forensic analysis, CCTV footage, and circumstantial evidence are being used to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish motive. The investigation remains active, with officials indicating that findings will be presented in a legally sustainable manner before court.

As the probe deepens, the case raises broader questions about how seemingly accidental deaths at tourist sites are investigated — and how quickly initial narratives can unravel under forensic scrutiny.