What looked like a tragic trekking accident in Pune has now turned into a chilling murder mystery. A young businessman, excited about his upcoming wedding, allegedly had no idea that the person he trusted the most was plotting against him.
Police say a birthday trek to the historic Lohagad Fort was actually a carefully planned murder. The case has shocked many because of its similarities to other recent crimes where love, betrayal, and secret relationships ended in tragedy.
Here’s a closer look at the Pune trekker murder case and how investigators uncovered the alleged conspiracy.
Background of the Case
Ketan Agarwal was a 26-year-old director in his family’s real estate business in Pimpri-Chinchwad. He was engaged to Siya Goyal, 20, in February 2026. Their families were preparing for a grand wedding, even booking a palace worth around Rs 17 crore for the celebrations.
According to police, while Ketan was looking forward to married life, Siya was allegedly involved in a relationship with 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators claim Siya did not want to marry Ketan and saw him as an obstacle in her relationship with Chetan.
How the Murder Unfolded
On June 18, Siya allegedly took Ketan to Lohagad Fort near Lonavala, claiming that they would celebrate her birthday with a trek. The couple left around 8:30 AM.
Police say Chetan was already present at the location or followed them there. At a secluded point on the fort, Siya and Chetan allegedly pushed Ketan into a nearly 400-foot-deep gorge.
After the incident, Siya reportedly told police that Ketan had accidentally slipped while taking photographs.
Investigators later discovered that this may not have been the first attempt. Police claim the duo had tried to push Ketan off the same fort around June 14 but failed. Siya had also allegedly hidden Ketan’s passport earlier, forcing the cancellation of a planned pre-wedding trip to Bali.
Ketan’s body was recovered after a difficult rescue operation, and initially an accidental death case was registered.
How Police Cracked the Case
As investigators questioned Siya, they noticed several inconsistencies in her version of events.
Over 2,000 Phone Calls
Police found records showing more than 2,000 calls exchanged between Siya and Chetan between January and June, indicating a close and continuous relationship.
CCTV Footage Raises Suspicion
CCTV cameras captured a man wearing a hoodie following the couple’s vehicle and appearing near the fort. The footage drew attention because the man was wearing a hoodie despite temperatures touching 33 degrees Celsius.
Investigators later identified the man as Chetan.
Digital and Technical Evidence
Police also found that Chetan had either left his phone elsewhere or switched it off for several hours during the period when the crime allegedly took place.
Investigators say questioning and evidence eventually led both accused to confess to their roles in the conspiracy.
Following the investigation, Pune Rural Police arrested Siya and Chetan on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
Similar Past Cases: When Love Turned Deadly
The Pune trekker murder case echoes a series of shocking crimes where relationships allegedly spiralled into deadly conspiracies.
Sonam Raghuvanshi Honeymoon Murder Case
In 2025, police alleged that Sonam Raghuvanshi conspired with her lover Raj Kushwaha and hired contract killers to murder her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Meghalaya.
Raja’s body was later found in a gorge. Investigators cracked the case using call records, digital evidence and confessions.
Muskan Rastogi Murder Case
Another shocking case emerged from Meerut in 2025. Police alleged that Muskan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla murdered her husband, Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput.
Investigators claimed the body was dismembered and hidden inside a cement-filled drum. Police said the affair and Saurabh’s refusal to grant a divorce were key motives behind the crime.
Conclusion
Like the Sonam Raghuvanshi and Muskan Rastogi cases, Ketan Agarwal’s death initially appeared to be an accident. However, investigators say digital footprints, CCTV footage, call records and inconsistencies in statements eventually revealed a much darker story.
As the investigation progresses, the case serves as a reminder that sometimes the biggest betrayals come from the people closest to us.