Ketan Agarwal murder case: Siya Goyal's father says fingers slammed in car door, not obscene gesture
Synopsis
A viral video of Ketan Agarwal murder accused Siya Goyal apparently raising her middle finger at media outside her Pune home has been contested by her father, who claims two of her fingers were crushed in a car door during a police visit — and says anyone who doubts it should ask the police who were present.
Key Takeaways
Praveen Goyal issued a video rebuttal on Saturday denying his daughter Siya Goyal made an obscene gesture at the media.
He claims two of her fingers were slammed in a car door during a police visit for legal formalities, causing swelling and bruised nails.
A video from Thursday showing Siya outside her Pune Market Yard residence went viral, sparking widespread online criticism.
Siya Goyal and alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary are accused of pushing businessman Ketan Agarwal into a gorge at Lohagad Fort on 18 June 2025 .
Both accused were arrested on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy after investigators found inconsistencies in Siya's initial statements.
Praveen Goyal, father of Siya Goyal — the primary accused in the Ketan Agarwal murder case — on Saturday, 5 July 2025, issued a video clarification denying that his daughter had made an obscene gesture at the media outside their Pune residence. He claimed her fingers had been injured in a car door during a police visit for legal formalities, explaining what many viewers interpreted as a raised middle finger.
What the Father Said
In a self-recorded video, Praveen Goyal stated: 'Siya is being accused for showing middle finger (to the media), it is nothing of that sort. When she had come home with the police for legal formalities, two of her fingers got smashed in a car door which is why there is a bandage on one of her fingers while the other one is swollen. Even her nails have turned blue, we have seen that.'
He displayed a photograph of Siya's visibly swollen finger on his mobile phone as supporting evidence, and urged those doubting his account to verify the incident directly with the police, who were present at the time. 'Whatever is being said on social media is not right,' he added.
The Viral Video That Sparked the Controversy
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced on Thursday showing Siya Goyal being escorted out of her residence in Pune's Market Yard area by police as part of the ongoing murder investigation. Dressed in a black T-shirt with a printed scarf covering her face, she briefly turned toward reporters gathered outside before an image of her raised finger was captured on camera.
The clip spread rapidly online, drawing sharp criticism from users who described the gesture as insensitive and inappropriate given the gravity of the charges she faces. Praveen Goyal's clarification came in direct response to this backlash.
The Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: Background
According to police, Siya Goyal and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary, are accused of conspiring to murder businessman Ketan Agarwal by pushing him into a gorge at Lohagad Fort, near Pune, on 18 June 2025.
Initially, Siya reportedly told investigators that Ketan had accidentally slipped and fallen, prompting police to register an accidental death case. However, investigators later grew suspicious after allegedly noticing inconsistencies in her statements and behaviour during questioning. The probe subsequently uncovered evidence that led to the arrest of both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
What Happens Next
Both accused remain in custody as the investigation continues. The father's public rebuttal adds a new dimension to a case that has already attracted significant public attention. Whether investigators corroborate his account of the finger injury is likely to determine how the episode is treated in subsequent proceedings.
Point of View
But the episode underscores a broader tension in high-profile criminal cases: the line between legitimate public interest and trial-by-social-media. The viral clip generated condemnation before any verification of intent — precisely the dynamic Praveen Goyal is now trying to counter. What matters legally is the murder charge, not the gesture; yet the court of public opinion rarely waits for context. The police, who were present and can either corroborate or contradict the injury claim, have so far not commented — and that silence is the most significant gap in this story.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Siya Goyal's father say about the viral middle finger video?
Praveen Goyal, Siya's father, claimed in a self-recorded video that her raised finger was not an obscene gesture but the result of two fingers being crushed in a car door during a police visit to their home for legal formalities. He displayed a photograph of her swollen finger and urged doubters to verify the incident with the police who accompanied her.
What is the Ketan Agarwal murder case?
Ketan Agarwal, a businessman, died on 18 June 2025 after allegedly being pushed into a gorge at Lohagad Fort near Pune. Police arrested Siya Goyal and her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy after investigators found inconsistencies in Siya's initial claim that Ketan had accidentally slipped.
Where and when was the viral video of Siya Goyal recorded?
The video was recorded on Thursday outside Siya Goyal's residence in Pune's Market Yard area, as police escorted her out during the ongoing investigation. It spread rapidly online and drew sharp criticism from viewers.
What charges does Siya Goyal face?
Siya Goyal faces charges of murder and criminal conspiracy in connection with the death of businessman Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort on 18 June 2025. She and co-accused Chetan Chaudhary remain in custody.
How can the car door injury claim be verified?
Praveen Goyal himself suggested that the police who accompanied Siya during the home visit are in the best position to confirm or deny the injury. As of Saturday, police had not issued a public statement on the matter.
