The Pune realtor murder case has taken a series of dramatic turns since the initial report of a tragic trekking accident on June 18, 2026. What began as a suspected fall from Lohagad Fort near Lonavala quickly evolved into a complex investigation revealing a love triangle, alleged conspiracy, and multiple layers of deception. Ketan Vishal Agarwal, a 26-year-old director and chief marketing officer at the family-run Success Group real estate firm, lost his life in circumstances that police now describe as a premeditated killing.
Background on the Victim and Prominent Family
Ketan Agarwal hailed from a well-established real estate family in Pune. His father, Vishal Devichand Agarwal, is a noted builder in the region. The young entrepreneur held degrees from Symbiosis University and Babson College in the United States, positioning him as a rising figure in Maharashtra's competitive property market. Colleagues and relatives described him as ambitious and family-oriented, with plans for a lavish November wedding that had already drawn significant attention in social circles.
The Engagement and Lavish Wedding Preparations
Ketan was engaged to 20-year-old Siya Praveen Goyal from Bibwewadi in Pune. The couple had been planning an extravagant palace wedding estimated in the crores, including a pre-wedding photoshoot trip to Bali. Family members on both sides had invested considerable time and resources into the upcoming nuptials, making the subsequent revelations all the more shocking to those close to the couple.
The Fatal Incident at Lohagad Fort
On June 18, during what was presented as a birthday trek for Siya at the historic Lohagad Fort, Ketan allegedly fell to his death from a cliff estimated at 350 to 400 feet. Initial accounts suggested an accidental slip while posing for photographs. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. The remote location and the couple's account initially pointed toward a tragic mishap during the outing.
Initial Police Response and Accident Theory
Pune Rural Police initially treated the death as an accident. However, inconsistencies in statements and emerging digital evidence prompted a deeper probe. Investigators visited the site multiple times, collecting forensic samples and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas. The case took a decisive turn when technical analysis of mobile records began to surface.
Emerging Evidence: Extensive Communication and Secret Meetings
Call detail records revealed that Siya Goyal and 22-year-old Chetan Babulal Chaudhary from Kondhwa had exchanged over 2,000 phone calls spanning nearly 238 hours in the months leading up to the incident. Police sources indicated frequent secret meetings between the pair, including at cafes and other locations. This communication pattern formed a cornerstone of the conspiracy theory that investigators ultimately pursued.
Further details emerged about prior attempts to stage similar incidents at the same fort location, including one on June 14 that was reportedly abandoned after a fabricated excuse involving a snake sighting. Investigators also examined claims that Siya had sabotaged a planned Bali trip by misplacing Ketan's passport at a food mall in Khalapur, later allegedly discarding it in a women's washroom.
Arrests and Formal Charges
On or around June 23-24, 2026, Pune Rural Police arrested Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary. Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed the arrests under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions for murder and criminal conspiracy. The accused were taken into custody following interrogation and presentation of evidence including location data, CCTV captures of a hooded individual trailing the couple, and witness statements.
Key Twists: The Alleged Signal and Differing Accounts
One of the most striking elements reported by investigators involves an alleged pre-arranged signal. Police claim Siya sat down as a cue, after which Chetan approached from behind and pushed Ketan off the cliff. The two accused have reportedly offered conflicting versions of events during questioning, leading to a blame game that investigators are still untangling. CCTV footage reportedly showed a man in a hoodie following the pair, providing crucial visual corroboration.
Family Reactions and Broader Impact
Ketan's family expressed profound grief and disbelief. His father met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, resulting in the formation of a Special Investigation Team. Siya's mother publicly stated shock at the developments and indicated that if her daughter were found guilty, she should face the harshest punishment, while noting the devastation to both families. The case has sparked widespread discussion across Maharashtra about trust in relationships and the pressures surrounding high-profile weddings.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Ongoing Investigation and Current Status
As of late June 2026, the probe continues with forensic teams analyzing additional evidence from the scene and digital records. Police have indicated that the investigation encompasses not only the immediate circumstances of the death but also the broader timeline of the alleged plot. Both accused remain in custody, and the matter is expected to proceed through the judicial system in the coming months.
The twists in this Pune realtor murder case underscore the complexities that can underlie seemingly straightforward incidents. Authorities continue to piece together the full picture while families on all sides grapple with the aftermath.
For more on related developments in Maharashtra crime investigations, readers may refer to detailed coverage in The Times of India and reporting from The Tribune.