Secret call, deleted chats key evidence in Ketan Agarwal murder probe

Fresh digital evidence has emerged in the investigation into the alleged murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal at Pune’s Lohagad Fort, with police uncovering what they believe are crucial links pointing to a pre-planned conspiracy. Investigators have identified a phone call made by the prime accused, 20-year-old Siya Goyal, to her alleged lover and co-accused, Chetan Chaudhary, just 34 minutes before Agarwal was allegedly pushed off a cliff.

Final phone call under scrutiny

According to police sources, the call has become one of the strongest pieces of digital evidence recovered during the investigation. A forensic examination of the accused’s mobile phones revealed the conversation, which investigators believe may have been the final coordination before the alleged murder. The Pune Rural Police’s technical surveillance team is closely analysing the call.

Investigators suspect that during the conversation, Goyal shared her exact location at a viewpoint inside Lohagad Fort and confirmed that no other visitors were present nearby, allowing the alleged plan to proceed.

Deleted chats recovered through forensic probe

The investigation has also revealed that the accused allegedly deleted months of WhatsApp messages, Instagram chats and voice notes in an attempt to destroy evidence related to the alleged conspiracy. Cyber experts are now working to retrieve the deleted data using forensic tools.

Police are comparing the recovered digital records with call detail records (CDRs), location history and internet IP logs to establish a detailed timeline.

Murder allegedly planned months in advance

According to the investigation, Ketan Agarwal was allegedly killed on June 18 after Goyal, who was engaged to marry him in November, reportedly decided she no longer wanted to continue with the relationship. Chaudhary has also been named as a co-accused in the case.

During questioning, Goyal’s brother told investigators that she first met Chaudhary at one of his cricket matches. The two later reconnected through a mutual friend and gradually developed a close relationship.

Police sources claim that the alleged murder conspiracy was finalised by the end of May. Investigators also suspect that an earlier attempt to kill Agarwal was made on June 14, when Goyal allegedly tried to push him off the same cliff. He reportedly survived after grabbing onto a bush, following which Goyal allegedly claimed she had accidentally pushed him while reacting to a snake.

Four days later, investigators allege, the accused made a second attempt. Police claim Chaudhary followed the couple to Lohagad Fort to ensure Agarwal would not escape.

According to sources, Chaudhary had asked Goyal to wait at least three years before they got married as he wanted to settle in his career. However, Goyal’s marriage to Agarwal had already been fixed for November. Investigators allege the two conspired to kill Agarwal so they could “buy time”, with Goyal expected to avoid immediate marriage discussions during the family’s mourning period while Chaudhary focused on his career.

The investigation has further revealed that Goyal and Chaudhary had allegedly begun plotting Agarwal’s murder as early as February this year.