PUNE: Police investigating the alleged murder of 25-year-old Pune realtor Ketan Agrawal claim that the accused Chetan Chaudhary left his mobile phone at his Market Yard shop on the day of the incident and carried an employee’s phone instead in an alleged bid to avoid detection. The employee whose phone was used is currently being questioned as part of the investigation.Investigators further allege that Siya Goyal (20) and Chetan Chaudhary (22) had researched various methods of killing Agrawal online, including poisoning, before allegedly identifying a secluded spot at Lohagad Fort from where pushing him into a gorge could be made to appear as an accidental fall.
Timeline: The Day Ketan Agrawal Died8:30 am: Couple Leaves For Lohagad FortOn June 18, a day before Siya Goyal’s birthday, she allegedly insisted on going on a trek to Lohagad Fort. The couple left their residence in Gahunje at around 8.30 am. 9:30am: Couple Reaches Lohagad FortAccording to the police investigation, Siya Goyal and Ketan Agrawal reached the foothills of Lohagad Fort between 9 am and 9:30 am on June 18 after driving from Gahunje. The couple then began trekking towards the fort, while investigators allege that Chetan Chaudhary had already arrived earlier.‘Chetan Reached Lohagad On Two-Wheeler’According to police, Chetan Chaudhary had already arrived at the fort on a two-wheeler and was waiting for the couple. Investigators allege the accused had previously identified a secluded spot on the fort where the crime could be carried out with minimal risk of witnesses.Chetan Switched Phones To Evade TrackingPolice claim Chaudhary deliberately left his mobile phone at his shop in Pune’s Market Yard and carried an employee’s phone instead in an attempt to avoid being tracked. The employee is currently being questioned as part of the investigation.Hoodie In 33°C HeatCCTV footage from the fort’s ticket counter allegedly showed Ketan Agrawal and Siya Goyal walking together, while a third person followed several metres behind. The individual was reportedly dressed in shorts and a hoodie despite the 33-degree Celsius weather, with the hood pulled low over his face and a headset covering it, making identification difficult.Less Than 10 Minutes At The SummitPolice said Chaudhary spent less than 10 minutes at the top of the fort and completed the ascent and descent in under 50 minutes, a movement pattern investigators believe was consistent with the alleged plan.10:30 am: The Fatal Push, Police AllegeInvestigators allege that at a secluded cliff edge, Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary pushed Agrawal into a 400-foot gorge. Police estimate that Agrawal died at around 10.30 am.Three-Hour Rescue OperationSecurity personnel and Lonavala Rural Police recovered Agrawal’s body after a rescue operation that lasted nearly three hours. Police allege Siya Goyal attempted to portray the incident as an accident by informing family members and local people and presenting herself as a grieving fiancée.
How Probe Led To Arrest Of Two Initially registered as an accidental death, the case later turned into a murder investigation after police claimed to have gathered evidence suggesting premeditation.During interrogation, investigators said the two accused blamed each other when confronted together, with each allegedly accusing the other of masterminding the killing.Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary were arrested on June 23 and remain in police custody as the investigation continues.2,004 Calls And A Café Meeting Before The CrimeAccording to investigators, the duo allegedly researched methods of killing Agrawal, including poisoning, before identifying a secluded location at Lohagad Fort from where pushing him into a gorge could appear to be an accidental fall.Police allege the accused carefully selected a less-crowded section of the fort and coordinated their movements to avoid suspicion before executing the plan on June 18.The incident was initially treated as an accidental fall. However, subsequent investigation led police to register a murder case, alleging that Agrawal was pushed into the gorge by Siya Goyal, Chetan Chaudhary, or both.Investigators also claim that the two accused remained in constant contact for months before the incident. Call detail records allegedly show they exchanged 2,004 phone calls and spent nearly 238 hours speaking over six months. Police further allege the pair met at a café in Pune a day before Agrawal’s death to finalise their plan.
