The death of 26-year-old Pune businessman Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort near Lonavala has become one of Maharashtra’s most discussed criminal cases. What initially appeared to be a trekking accident is now being investigated as an alleged murder involving his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and another accused.
The case has sparked widespread debate after both the victim’s family and Siya Goyal’s mother publicly demanded strict punishment for anyone found guilty. The Maharashtra government has also appointed senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam as the special public prosecutor and announced plans for a fast-track trial.
Who Were Ketan Agarwal and Siya Goyal?
Ketan Agarwal was a young businessman from Pune. He was engaged to Siya Goyal, and the couple was reportedly preparing to get married. According to both families, the engagement had taken place with their consent, and wedding preparations were underway. Public statements made by Siya’s mother suggest there had been no known objections from either family regarding the marriage before the incident. However, police investigations later alleged that Siya Goyal was also involved in a relationship with another man. Investigators believe this alleged relationship forms an important part of the motive being examined in the case. These allegations remain under investigation and have not yet been proven in court.
What Happened at Lohagad Fort?
On June 18, 2026, Ketan Agarwal travelled to Lohagad Fort, a popular tourist destination near Lonavala in Maharashtra. Initially, reports suggested that Ketan had accidentally slipped and fallen nearly 400 feet into a gorge, leading to his death. However, as investigators examined CCTV footage, witness statements, digital evidence, and forensic material, police concluded that the incident was unlikely to have been accidental. Police now allege that Ketan was deliberately pushed into the gorge by Siya Goyal and her alleged boyfriend. The investigation is ongoing, and these allegations are yet to be tested before a court of law.
How Did Police Suspect Foul Play?
According to investigators, several pieces of evidence prompted police to treat the incident as a suspected murder rather than an accident.
These reportedly include:
- CCTV footage collected during the investigation.
- Mobile phone records and digital communication.
- Statements from witnesses.
- The movement of the accused before and after the incident.
- Forensic findings from the crime scene.
Police have not publicly disclosed every detail of the evidence because the investigation is still underway.
What Did Siya Goyal’s Mother Reveal?
In an emotional interaction with the media, Pooja Goyal, Siya’s mother, said she was shocked by the allegations against her daughter. She claimed that Siya had initially expressed reluctance about visiting Lohagad Fort. According to Pooja Goyal, Ketan called Siya before the trip and insisted that she accompany him. She said she herself encouraged Siya to go because Ketan had requested it and added that chat records of the conversation are available. Pooja Goyal also rejected claims that the Agarwal family had previously complained about Siya’s lifestyle or habits. She said both families had supported the engagement and were looking forward to the marriage. Despite defending her daughter’s character, she stated that if Siya is found guilty after trial, she should receive the harshest punishment under the law.
What Has the Victim’s Family Demanded?
Following Ketan’s death, his family met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and requested:
- Appointment of a special public prosecutor.
- A fast-track court.
- Speedy justice.
- Maximum punishment for those found guilty.
The Maharashtra government subsequently appointed senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam as the special public prosecutor and initiated the process of establishing a fast-track court.
Why Is Ujjwal Nikam’s Appointment Significant?
Ujjwal Nikam is among India’s best-known public prosecutors and has handled several high-profile criminal and terrorism cases. His appointment indicates that the Maharashtra government considers the case to be of significant public importance and intends to pursue the prosecution vigorously.
What Happens Next?
The police investigation is continuing, with authorities examining electronic evidence, forensic reports and witness testimonies. Once the investigation is complete, the prosecution will present its evidence before the court. The accused will have the opportunity to defend themselves, and the court will determine guilt or innocence based solely on the evidence presented during the trial. Until then, the allegations remain accusations and have not been judicially established.
Why Has This Case Drawn So Much Attention?
Several factors have made the case a major national news story:
- The victim and the prime accused were engaged to be married.
- The death occurred at a popular tourist destination.
- Police allege the incident was a planned murder rather than an accident.
- Both families have publicly spoken about the case.
- Siya Goyal’s own mother has demanded the strictest punishment if her daughter is convicted.
- The Maharashtra government has appointed a special prosecutor and proposed a fast-track trial.
Conclusion
The Lohagad Fort murder case has evolved from what first appeared to be a tragic accident into a high-profile criminal investigation. As police continue gathering evidence and legal proceedings move forward, the case will ultimately be decided by the courts. Until then, all allegations remain subject to judicial scrutiny, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty according to law.