PUNE: What was initially believed to be a tragic accident during a trek to Lohagad Fort has turned into a chilling murder case, with Pune police arresting a woman and her alleged lover for allegedly pushing her fiancé into a 400-foot-deep gorge after luring him to the fort under the pretext of celebrating her upcoming birthday.Ketan Vishal Agrawal (26), a resident of Gahunje near Pune and director of a family-run real estate business, died on June 18 after plunging into a gorge at the historic fort. The tragedy unfolded when Agrawal accompanied his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and two close friends on a trek to celebrate her upcoming birthday.Following the incident, Goyal told Lonavala rural police that Agrawal had slipped and fallen while taking photographs amid strong winds at the fort. Based on her statement, police initially registered an accidental death report.However, investigators said certain circumstances surrounding the death appeared suspicious, prompting a detailed probe.Superintendent of police, Pune rural, Sandip Singh Gill, said the circumstances surrounding the death appeared suspicious, which prompted police to investigate the case thoroughly.“Our teams examined multiple angles, including financial disputes and personal relationships. During the probe, police allegedly found that Goyal was in a relationship with another man, identified as Chetan Babulal Chaudhary (22), a resident of Kondhwa in Pune,” he said.According to police, the duo conspired to eliminate Agrawal. As part of the alleged plan, Goyal persuaded him to join the trek to Lohagad Fort, while Chaudhary was called to the location later. The two then allegedly pushed Agrawal into the 400-foot gorge, resulting in his death.The revelation has shocked both families, especially as the couple was scheduled to marry later this year. Sources said elaborate wedding preparations had already been made, including booking a palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, for the ceremony.Acting on suspicion, the local crime branch took Chaudhary into custody. During interrogation, police said he disclosed details of the alleged plot. Based on the findings, Goyal was also arrested.“Following a complaint lodged by Ketan’s father, Vishal Agarwal, the Lonavala rural police registered a case of murder and criminal conspiracy under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on Tuesday,” Sandip Singh Gill added.Police said further investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events, gather forensic evidence and determine whether any other individuals were involved in the alleged conspiracy.(With PTI inputs)
