Lohagad Fort murder: Hoodie-wearing suspect in 33°C heat becomes key CCTV clue

A case that was initially believed to be a tragic trekking accident at Lohagad Fort near Pune has now turned into an alleged murder conspiracy, with a crucial CCTV clue helping investigators crack the case.

Ketan Agarwal's death was first reported as an accidental fall during a trek at the historic fort on June 18. However, investigators reviewing CCTV footage noticed an unusual detail that raised suspicions and eventually led to a breakthrough in the case.

Hoodie in Extreme Heat Raises Suspicion

According to reports cited by NDTV, CCTV footage showed Ketan Agarwal walking with his fiancée, Siya Goyal, while a man dressed in shorts and a hoodie followed them from a distance of around 20 to 30 feet. The man had his face covered with the hood and was also wearing a headset.

Another CCTV clip further strengthened police suspicions. In the footage, Siya Goyal is seen suddenly turning around and looking toward the hooded individual. Moments later, the man allegedly sat down, apparently attempting to avoid drawing attention to himself.

What particularly caught investigators' attention was the weather. Police noted that temperatures in the area were around 33 degrees Celsius at the time. The decision to wear a hoodie during a strenuous trek in such conditions appeared highly unusual and prompted officers to investigate the individual's identity.

CCTV, Technical Evidence Link Suspect to Victim's Fiancée

According to officials, technical evidence and digital analysis established a connection between Siya Goyal and the hooded man, later identified as 22-year-old Chetan Babulal Chaudhary.

Investigators reportedly compared photographs from Chetan's social media profiles with the CCTV footage and found significant similarities, helping them focus their investigation on him.

Police also reportedly found Siya's behaviour after Ketan's death unusual. Investigators observed that she displayed little visible grief following the incident, which further raised doubts about the theory that Ketan's death was an accident.

Call Records and Relationship Angle Emerge

As the investigation progressed, Ketan's uncle informed police that Siya had previously expressed hesitation about the marriage and had once asked whether the wedding could be postponed for a year.

Further examination of call records allegedly revealed extensive communication between Siya and Chetan. Police found that the two had exchanged 2,004 phone calls over the previous seven months, spending nearly 238 hours speaking to each other.

Ketan, the son of a prominent businessman from Maharashtra, had become engaged to Siya in February. Their families were reportedly preparing for a lavish wedding scheduled for November.

Investigators now allege that Siya and Chetan had been in a romantic relationship after meeting at a business event in 2025. Siya operated a bakery business, while Chetan was involved in the dry fruit trade.

According to police, Chetan allegedly viewed Ketan as an obstacle to his relationship with Siya, leading the pair to allegedly conspire against him.

Police Allege Multiple Attempts Before Fatal Incident

Police allege that Siya persuaded Ketan to visit Lohagad Fort under the pretext of a casual outing. Investigators claim that Chetan was later called to the location and that the two allegedly pushed Ketan into a deep gorge from behind, resulting in his death.

The investigation also uncovered alleged earlier attempts to harm Ketan.

Days before the incident, the couple had reportedly planned a pre-wedding photoshoot trip to Bali. The trip was cancelled after Ketan discovered that his passport was missing at Mumbai airport. His father later alleged that Siya had deliberately hidden the document.

Investigators further claim that Siya had made an earlier attempt on Ketan's life at Lohagad Fort on June 14. According to police, she allegedly pushed him near a cliff edge, but he managed to save himself by grabbing onto a bush. Police allege that she then screamed about spotting a snake and embraced him to create the impression that she was concerned for his safety.

When that attempt allegedly failed, investigators claim Siya and Chetan carried out their plan on June 18. Police also reportedly discovered references to a "Plan C" that the pair allegedly intended to execute if previous attempts were unsuccessful.

Accused Arrested

Both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary have been arrested and charged with murder and criminal conspiracy. They have been remanded to seven days of police custody as investigators continue to probe the case and examine the circumstances surrounding Ketan Agarwal's death.