Fresh details emerging from the investigation into the murder of 26-year-old Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal have revealed what police describe as a meticulously planned conspiracy driven by money and an illicit relationship. Investigators allege that Agarwal’s fiancée, 20-year-old Siya Goyal, extracted nearly Rs 1 crore from him in the name of wedding preparations before plotting his murder with her lover, Chetan Chaudhary.
The two accused were arrested for conspiring to kill Agarwal by pushing him into a gorge at Lohagad Fort near Pune on June 18.
Rs 1 crore diverted to lover
According to investigators, Agarwal had handed over nearly Rs 1 crore to Goyal for expenses related to their upcoming wedding. Instead of using the money for marriage preparations, police claim Goyal transferred the entire amount to Chaudhary to help him establish his career and business.
Investigators believe the financial transfer was a crucial part of the conspiracy. Chaudhary, who came from a financially modest background, had reportedly told Goyal that he would need around three years to become financially secure before they could begin a life together.
Marriage postponed to avoid suspicion
Police say the duo had also chalked out a long-term plan to escape suspicion after Agarwal’s death.
According to investigators, Goyal was to remain unmarried for three years following the murder so that her fiancé’s death would not immediately raise suspicion over a relationship with Chaudhary. Once public attention diminished and Chaudhary had become financially stable, the two would get married with the hope of eventually gaining acceptance from Goyal’s family.
A carefully rehearsed signal
Investigators have also revealed chilling details about the alleged execution of the murder plot.
Police claim Goyal and Chaudhary had agreed upon a pre-decided signal before the fatal attack. Goyal was to sit down, either pretending to drink water or tie her shoelaces, after which Chaudhary would emerge and push Agarwal off the cliff.
Officials said the signal was chosen not merely for coordination but also to ensure Goyal’s own safety.
“The plan ensured she would not be within Agarwal’s reach. They feared that if he tried to grab her while falling, she too could plunge into the gorge,” an investigating official said.
Scooter ride to avoid toll surveillance
Police have also uncovered what they believe was another calculated attempt to conceal the crime.
Instead of travelling by car, Chaudhary rode a scooter nearly 90 kilometres from Pune to Lohagad Fort on the day of the murder. Investigators say he deliberately avoided using a car to prevent his movements from being captured at toll plazas.
The scooter has since been seized as part of the investigation.
‘Secret call’ before the murder
Call Detail Records (CDRs) have also become a key piece of evidence.
According to police sources, Goyal spoke to Chaudhary over a “secret call” just 34 minutes before Agarwal was killed. Investigators suspect the conversation served as the final confirmation before the murder was carried out.
Police further claim that the conspiracy had been finalised by the end of May.
First attempt allegedly failed
Investigators have also alleged that the June 18 incident was not the first attempt on Agarwal’s life.
According to police sources, Goyal tried to push him off a cliff during an earlier visit to Lohagad Fort on June 14. Agarwal reportedly survived after grabbing onto nearby bushes. To explain the incident, Goyal allegedly claimed she had accidentally pushed him after being startled by a snake.
Following the failed attempt, investigators say Chaudhary decided to personally accompany the couple during their next visit to ensure Agarwal would not escape again.
Police continue to investigate the financial trail, digital evidence and communications between the two accused as they piece together what they believe was a premeditated murder planned months in advance. Both accused remain in custody.
