Pune: Investigation into the murder of 25-year-old realtor Ketan Agrawal on Saturday revealed that the accused, Siya Goyal (20) and Chetan Chaudhary (22), searched online for methods to kill him, including poisoning, and even identified a spot on Lohagad Fort from where pushing him into a gorge would appear accidental.The Pune Rural police said they also questioned Goyal’s parents, her uncle and aunt, who had arranged her marriage to Agarwal.According to the police, Goyal and Chaudhary rehearsed the act multiple times before carrying out the murder. Agrawal died around 10.30am on June 18 after being pushed into a gorge near Hatti Talav at Lohagad Fort. Initially believed to be an accident, the case was later confirmed as a premeditated murder, leading to the arrest of the two accused. They remain in police custody till June 29.Probe findings suggested that the murder plot had been in the making for several weeks. “The accused decided to eliminate Agrawal as they were unable to stop Goyal’s arranged marriage due to social and family pressures, despite being in a relationship,” an officer said.
Chetan Chaudhary
The police said Goyal and Chaudhary first met at a Diwali party last Oct and soon became romantically involved. Meanwhile, Goyal received a marriage proposal from Agrawal through a family acquaintance. Agrawal, who had recently returned from the US, was initially accepted by Goyal, and pre-wedding events, photoshoots and family functions took place in March and April.Goyal, however, soon became unsure about the marriage. Around this time, she resumed communication with Chaudhary. Despite discussing her concerns with her brother, she was unable to find a way out after the engagement in Feb, the police said.A senior officer from the Pune Rural police told TOI from May 15, Goyal and Chaudhary were in constant contact through calls and messages. “They researched ways to commit murder and stage it as an accident, finalising their plan by May-end. We are currently examining their cellphone records,” the officer said, adding, “The duo made an futile attempt on June 14. They then decided that Chaudhary would be physically present during the next attempt.”The officer said, “On the day of the murder, Chaudhary took steps to conceal his identity, wearing a hoodie to cover his face while traveling to the fort. He followed Goyal and Agrawal, removing the hoodie upon reaching the site and keeping it in his bag. Since Agrawal had previously seen him during a video call, we believe he could have recognised Chaudhary. After the act, Chaudhary put the hoodie back on and left the spot without raising suspicion.”
Ketan Agarwal
The post-mortem report confirmed that Agrawal died from severe injuries caused by the fall, particularly a head injury.The police further suspect that after the crime, the accused discussed how to respond to questioning and maintain the façade of an accidental death.
