Siya Goyal Ketan Agarwal Case | Maharashtra
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The Lohagad Fort Murder Mystery: How a Birthday Celebration Turned Into a Planned Killing
A birthday trip. A picture-perfect engagement. Thousands of romantic Instagram posts. From the outside, everything looked like the beginning of a dream marriage.
Then, within seconds, a 26-year-old businessman fell nearly 400 feet from the cliffs of Maharashtra's historic Lohagad Fort.
At first, everyone believed it was a tragic accident. His fiancée cried uncontrollably, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, and told police he had slipped while taking her photographs. The story seemed believable because social media painted them as the perfect couple.
But investigators soon uncovered a completely different reality.
Phone records, CCTV footage, witness statements, and a failed murder attempt days earlier suggested that the fall may not have been an accident at all. Instead, police allege it was the final step in a carefully planned conspiracy that shocked India.
The Couple Who Seemed Perfect
A Relationship That Looked Ideal
Ketan Vishal Agarwal, 26, came from a prominent real-estate family in Pune. Well educated and already serving as Chief Marketing Officer of the family business, he was preparing for a lavish wedding.
Siya Goel, 20, belonged to a financially secure business family involved in the dry-fruits trade. Their families arranged the match, and both became engaged in early 2026.
Wedding preparations were already underway.
- Engagement completed in February 2026
- Wedding reportedly planned for November 2026
- Luxury venue booked in Udaipur
- Private aircraft reportedly arranged for guests
On Instagram, the couple appeared deeply in love. Their photographs and videos reflected the image of a happy future together.
That image, investigators later alleged, concealed a dangerous secret.
The Birthday Trip That Ended in Death
What Happened at Lohagad Fort?
On 18 June, one day before Siya's 20th birthday, the couple traveled to Lohagad Fort near Lonavala.
According to police, Ketan had initially wanted to celebrate elsewhere, but Siya repeatedly insisted on visiting the historic fort because she claimed to love the location after a previous visit.
Friends were invited.
Decorations had been planned.
The birthday celebration had barely begun.
According to Siya's first statement, Ketan was taking photographs of her when he accidentally stepped too close to the cliff edge, lost his balance after a gust of wind, and fell hundreds of feet.
Everyone believed her.
She publicly mourned him on Instagram, writing that he had left her on her birthday just before their dream wedding.
For a short time, the case appeared to be a tragic accident.
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| Lohagad Fort |
The Investigation Began to Raise Questions
Evidence That Didn't Match the Story
As investigators reconstructed the timeline, several unusual details emerged.
Police reportedly learned that:
- A Bali trip scheduled earlier had suddenly been cancelled after Ketan's passport disappeared.
- Siya had previously requested that the wedding be postponed.
- Family members described an earlier incident at the same fort.
One revelation stood out above all.
The Earlier Incident
Investigators Alleged There Had Already Been One Attempt
Ketan's sister reportedly told investigators that only days before the fatal trip, Siya had taken Ketan to Lohagad Fort to inspect arrangements.
During that visit, Ketan allegedly fell after being pushed but survived because he landed on tree branches.
Siya reportedly explained the incident by claiming she had seen a snake and pushed him to save his life.
Ketan accepted the explanation.
Investigators later viewed that earlier event as potentially significant because it resembled what happened during the birthday visit.
Phone Records Changed the Direction of the Case
Thousands of Calls to Another Man
Police reportedly examined Siya's mobile phone records.
According to investigators:
- More than 2,000 phone calls were exchanged with another number.
- The conversations reportedly totaled over 230 hours.
- The number allegedly belonged to 22-year-old businessman Chetan Babulal Chaudhary.
Investigators then began examining the nature of that relationship.
CCTV Footage Connected Another Suspect
The Person Following the Couple
Police reportedly reviewed surveillance footage from Lohagad Fort.
Investigators claimed they observed a man wearing a hoodie despite the hot weather, following Ketan and Siya from a distance.
Traffic cameras allegedly helped investigators trace the scooter used by the individual.
The route reportedly led police to a dry-fruits business connected to Chetan's family.
According to investigators, photographs from social media were compared with the individual seen in CCTV footage.
Police Theory of the Alleged Murder Plot
A Plan That Investigators Believe Began Weeks Earlier
According to police, the alleged conspiracy unfolded over several weeks.
Investigators claim the sequence included:
- An initial visit to Lohagad Fort where the location was selected.
- A cancelled Bali trip after Ketan's passport allegedly disappeared.
- A failed attempt days before the fatal incident.
- The birthday celebration becoming the final opportunity.
Police allege that on the isolated section of the fort, Siya signaled Chetan before both suspects pushed Ketan from the cliff.
Both suspects have reportedly denied wrongdoing, and the investigation remains subject to judicial proceedings.
Social Media Versus Reality
Why This Case Shocked So Many People
One reason this case attracted national attention is the contrast between online appearances and the allegations uncovered during the investigation.
To friends and followers, the relationship appeared affectionate and stable.
Investigators, however, allege that an entirely different story existed behind the carefully curated photographs and romantic captions.
The case became a reminder that social media often captures moments, not necessarily reality.
What Happens Next?
The criminal investigation is ongoing, and the courts will ultimately determine guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented.
As with any criminal case, allegations made during police investigations must be tested in court before any final legal conclusions can be reached.
Whatever the verdict, the Lohagad Fort case has already become one of India's most widely discussed criminal investigations of 2026 because it challenges assumptions about trust, appearances, and the stories people choose to share online.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe social media can sometimes hide the truth about real relationships, or should people avoid drawing conclusions until every piece of evidence has been tested in court? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Was Ketan Agarwal's death initially considered an accident?
Yes. According to police, the incident was first reported as an accidental fall from Lohagad Fort while Ketan was taking photographs of his fiancée. However, the investigation later uncovered evidence that led authorities to treat the case as an alleged murder.
Who is Siya Goel?
Siya Goel is Ketan Agarwal's fiancée and the primary accused in the Lohagad Fort murder case. Police allege that she conspired with another individual to kill Ketan. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
Who is Chetan Babulal Chaudhary?
According to investigators, Chetan Babulal Chaudhary is a businessman from Pune who allegedly had a relationship with Siya Goel. Police claim he played a key role in the alleged conspiracy, though the case is still before the courts.
Why do investigators believe the death was not an accident?
Police have cited multiple pieces of evidence, including CCTV footage, mobile phone records, witness statements, and the alleged earlier attempt at Lohagad Fort. Investigators say these findings collectively suggest the fall may have been planned rather than accidental.
What allegedly happened to Ketan's passport before the incident?
According to the police investigation, Ketan's passport went missing before a planned Bali trip, forcing the vacation to be cancelled. Investigators later alleged that the passport had been deliberately destroyed as part of the broader conspiracy. These allegations are yet to be tested in court.
Where is Lohagad Fort located?
Lohagad Fort is a historic hill fort located near Lonavala in Maharashtra, India. The fort is a popular tourist destination known for its steep cliffs, trekking trails, and panoramic views.
What charges have been filed in the Lohagad Fort murder case?
Police have arrested the accused and registered a murder case. The exact charges and legal proceedings may evolve as the investigation and court process continue.
Is the Lohagad Fort murder case still under investigation?
Yes. At the time of writing, the case remains under investigation and judicial review. The accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.