Accused Siya Goyal on Saturday, 31 October 2026, filed two applications — one seeking bail and another seeking discharge — at the Vadgaon Maval Sessions Court in Pune, as hearings formally began in the high-profile Ketan Agarwal murder case. Senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam appeared for the prosecution for the first time, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public attention since the alleged incident in June.

Key Developments in Court

All three accused — Goyal, her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary, and a third accused Ritesh Hange — appeared before the court via video conferencing from Pune's Yerawada Jail. The court has scheduled the next hearing for 17 November. Notably, Hange has not yet appointed legal representation; the court has directed him to do so before the next date, failing which it will appoint a lawyer on his behalf.

What the Prosecution Said

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Nikam said: 'On the first day of the proceedings, the prosecution apprised the court of the details related to the case. The court was informed about the evidence collected by the police and the arguments that the prosecution intends to advance, on the basis of that evidence. The court has permitted the prosecution to present its arguments.' He added that at the 17 November hearing, the prosecution will outline how the alleged murder conspiracy was allegedly hatched and detail the evidence regarding the specific roles of Goyal and Chaudhary.

Defence Counters on Evidence

Goyal's lawyer, advocate Nitin Bhalerao, alleged that video footage and other technical evidence gathered by the police have not yet been shared with the defence. He confirmed that a separate application has been filed seeking access to these materials, which will also be taken up on 17 November. 'The defence believes that the evidence gathered by the police is insufficient to secure a conviction,' Bhalerao said, adding that they intend to contest the case through the full trial process. Senior advocate Vipul Dushim is expected to appear for the defence at the next hearing.

Background: The Lohagad Fort Incident

According to police, Ketan Agarwal, 26, a director of a real estate company, was allegedly pushed into a gorge at Lohagad Fort near Pune on 18 June this year, resulting in his death. Goyal was his fiancée, and investigators allege the act was carried out in collusion with her alleged lover, Chaudhary. The case has since attracted widespread attention given the personal relationship between the victim and the principal accused.

What Happens Next

The 17 November hearing will be a critical one — the court is expected to take up Goyal's bail and discharge applications, hear the prosecution's account of the alleged conspiracy, and address the defence's demand for access to technical evidence. The outcome of the bail plea, in particular, will be closely watched as the trial progresses.