The investigation into the alleged murder of Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort has revealed that the two accused, Siya Goel and Chetan Chaudhary, had initially discussed hiring a contract killer to leave him permanently disabled by staging an accident, police sources said.

According to investigators, the alleged plan was aimed at providing a plausible reason to cancel Ketan and Siya's scheduled trip to Bali on June 6 as well as their forthcoming wedding without arousing suspicion.

Police sources said the duo explored multiple scenarios to derail the travel plans. During their discussions, they allegedly considered staging either an accident or a robbery in which Ketan would sustain life-altering injuries. Investigators claim Siya believed that if Ketan lost a limb in such an incident, she could persuade her family to call off the marriage.

The investigation has also revealed that the accused allegedly looked for ways to avoid committing a direct murder that could leave behind forensic evidence. Police sources claimed they wanted Ketan's death, if it came to that, to appear accidental. Investigators further alleged that Siya searched online to find out whether slow poison could be detected.

As the alleged conspiracy evolved, the duo began scouting potential locations around Lonavala. According to police sources, Tiger Point, Visapur Fort and a few other sites were considered before Lohagad Fort was eventually chosen.

Investigators said the plan to allegedly push Ketan off Lohagad Fort had been discussed even before May 31. On that day, Siya and Ketan visited the fort, but police claim she only conducted a recce of the terrain and exit routes. Although investigators believe an opportunity allegedly presented itself, she decided against acting, fearing the risks involved.

Following further discussions with Chetan, Lohagad Fort was allegedly finalised as the location for the crime.

Police sources said Siya and Ketan returned to the fort on June 14, but the alleged plan again did not materialise. During questioning, investigators claim Siya said she backed out after spotting a snake near the spot.

The probe has also revealed that Ketan had planned to celebrate Siya's birthday at a resort in Mahabaleshwar on June 19. Investigators believe the accused decided to advance their alleged plan and revisit Lohagad Fort on June 18 to avoid making that trip.

According to police sources, between June 14 and June 18, Siya and Chetan repeatedly rehearsed the act of pushing a person from an elevated location at Beverly Hills in Pune. Investigators claim the two analysed why their previous attempt had failed before allegedly executing the plan at Lohagad Fort on June 18.

- Ends

Published By:

Priyanka Kumari

Published On:

Jul 21, 2026 16:41 IST