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Pune Trekking Death Turns Into Murder Probe After CCTV Clue. (Image Dynamite News)
Pune: What was first reported as a tragic trekking accident at Maharashtra’s Lohagad Fort has now turned into a murder investigation, with police arresting the victim’s fiancée and her alleged partner.
Ketan Agarwal, a 26-year-old businessman from Pune district, died on June 18 after falling from a cliff during a trek. The case was initially registered as an accidental death after his fiancée, Siya Goyal, allegedly told the family that he had slipped.
Police later found CCTV footage from the fort’s ticket counter showing Ketan and Siya walking together. Investigators noticed a third person following them at a short distance.
According to police, the man was wearing shorts and a hoodie, with the front portion pulled low enough to hide his face. He also had a headset over the hoodie. Officers found the clothing unusual as the temperature at the time was reportedly around 33 degrees Celsius.
Another clip showed Siya suddenly looking back, while the hooded man appeared to sit down at the same moment. This prompted investigators to examine the man’s identity and movements.
During the probe, police learnt that Siya had allegedly expressed hesitation about the wedding and had once asked whether it could be delayed by a year.
Ketan and Siya had got engaged in February and were scheduled to marry in November in Udaipur. Police said family members also claimed that Siya had repeatedly persuaded Ketan to visit Lohagad Fort before the fatal incident.
Investigators are also probing an alleged earlier attempt on June 14, when Siya reportedly tried to push Ketan off a cliff, but he managed to hold onto a bush.
Police examined call records and digital communication, which allegedly showed extensive contact between Siya and Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators then compared Chetan’s social media photos with the CCTV footage of the hooded man.
Police said technical evidence and interrogation pointed to a planned conspiracy. Siya and Chetan were arrested and booked for murder and criminal conspiracy.
According to police, the suspected motive was linked to Siya’s alleged relationship with Chetan and her unwillingness to continue the marriage with Ketan. The investigation is still underway.
