Pune Rural Police have filed a massive 5,053-page chargesheet in the murder case of businessman Ketan Agarwal, detailing what investigators describe as a carefully planned conspiracy involving his fiancée Siya Goyal, her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary and another accused, Ritesh Hange.
Agarwal died after allegedly being pushed from Lohagad Fort on June 18. Police say the accused had made multiple attempts and preparations before the final incident.
According to the chargesheet, the accused initially considered seriously injuring Agarwal and even explored the possibility of hiring someone from outside Maharashtra. Investigators claim that plan was abandoned over fears that an outsider could expose the conspiracy.
Police further allege that the accused later decided to carry out the crime themselves and researched murder cases, watched crime films and listened to podcasts about avoiding police detection. Investigators also say they studied the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case involving Raja Raghuvanshi.
Why Lohagad Was Chosen
The chargesheet states that the accused conducted reconnaissance at several locations around Lonavala, including Tiger Point, before selecting Lohagad Fort.
Police allege that Lohagad was chosen partly because a woman had previously died after falling from the fort, leading the accused to believe Agarwal’s death could be made to look like an accidental fall.
Earlier Attempt Allegedly Failed
Investigators claim that Goyal had taken Agarwal to Lohagad before June 18 as part of earlier attempts.
During one visit, she allegedly tried to push him near the edge, but he managed to avoid falling. Police say she later attempted to explain the incident by referring to a snake.
The chargesheet also alleges that Goyal damaged Agarwal’s passport ahead of a planned Bali trip, preventing the journey from taking place.
Fake Instagram Account Used as Bait
One of the key elements in the police case is a fake Instagram account created under the name “Mahi.”
Investigators allege that the account, which used the photograph of a woman known to the accused, was used to persuade Agarwal to take Goyal to Lohagad Fort on June 18 under the pretext of arranging a surprise birthday celebration for her. The account was allegedly deleted after the incident.
Police say the fake-account plan was part of the larger conspiracy to bring Agarwal to the selected location.
What Police Say Happened on June 18
According to investigators, Chaudhary reached the fort separately and later joined Goyal after receiving a signal from her.
Police allege that when Agarwal was distracted, Goyal pushed him from behind and Chaudhary also assaulted him, causing him to fall from the fort.
The chargesheet relies on witness statements, mobile-phone data, WhatsApp chats, photographs, call-detail records and other technical evidence gathered during the investigation.
The allegations remain part of the prosecution case and will ultimately be tested before the court.
