Pune: The Lohagad Fort Murder Case has taken a dramatic new turn after the two accused, Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary, allegedly blamed each other for orchestrating the murder of Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal during custodial interrogation.
According to Pune Rural Police, the conflicting statements emerged while questioning the duo, who were arrested in connection with Agarwal’s death at Lohagad Fort on June 18. While Goyal allegedly claimed that Chaudhary had planned the murder, Chaudhary reportedly told investigators that Goyal forced him to kill her fiancé.
Police officials, however, said the evidence collected so far points towards Goyal as the alleged mastermind behind the conspiracy.
Lohagad Fort Murder Case: Police Say Evidence Indicates Siya Goyal Planned the Murder
Investigators revealed that Goyal and Agarwal had become engaged in February and were expected to marry later this year. During questioning, Goyal allegedly claimed she had repeatedly told Agarwal that she no longer wished to continue with the marriage, but he refused to call it off.
Police said she subsequently accused Chaudhary of devising the murder plan. Chaudhary, on the other hand, allegedly told investigators that Goyal pressured him into carrying out the crime.
Despite the contradictory versions, investigators maintain that the material collected during the investigation suggests the conspiracy was primarily planned by Goyal.
An officer associated with the probe stated that evidence gathered so far indicates she played the central role in hatching the alleged murder plot.
Investigation Reveals Earlier Failed Murder Attempt
Police investigations have also uncovered details of what they believe was an earlier unsuccessful attempt to kill Agarwal.
According to investigators, Goyal and Agarwal had visited Lohagad Fort on May 31, when she allegedly first contemplated pushing him into the gorge after seeing him sitting close to the edge.
Investigators further suspect another attempt was made on June 14. Police allege Goyal tried to push Agarwal from the fort but failed. When the attempt did not succeed, she reportedly raised an alarm claiming she had seen a snake and later described the incident as an accidental push.
Authorities believe the alleged failure of the earlier attempts ultimately led to the fatal incident on June 18.
Police Probe Relationship Between Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary
According to investigators, Goyal first met Chaudhary at a Diwali party last year and the two later developed a close relationship.
Police claim the pair remained in regular contact and allegedly discussed plans to eliminate Agarwal. Investigators also suspect Goyal wanted greater personal freedom and had become unwilling to proceed with the arranged marriage despite pressure from her family.
Officials further believe that although she had grown close to Chaudhary, she was not prepared to marry him either, making the alleged motive more complex than a conventional love triangle.
Investigators continue to analyse digital communications, call records and other evidence to establish the complete sequence of events leading to the alleged murder.
Parents Demand Strictest Punishment if Daughter Found Guilty
The case has attracted widespread attention after Goyal’s parents publicly stated that they would support the harshest punishment if their daughter is found guilty.
Her mother, Pooja Goyal, said the family had no knowledge of any problems between the couple or of Chaudhary’s existence before the investigation.
She stated that if the investigation proves her daughter’s involvement, she should receive the strictest punishment under the law, adding that she had never believed her daughter was capable of such an act.
Her father, Pravin Goyal, echoed the same sentiment, saying that whoever is responsible should face the maximum punishment, regardless of their relationship with the family.
Meanwhile, Ketan Agarwal’s uncle Vijay Agarwal said the family was seeking justice, describing the victim as a well-educated young man who had agreed to an arranged marriage at his parents’ request before allegedly becoming the victim of a carefully planned conspiracy.
Investigation Continues
Both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary remain in police custody until June 29 as investigators continue collecting evidence and reconstructing the sequence of events.
Police are examining witness statements, digital records, call data, surveillance footage and forensic evidence to determine the precise roles allegedly played by each accused.
As the investigation continues to unfold, investigators are expected to focus on corroborating the conflicting statements while strengthening the prosecution’s case before filing further legal proceedings.
Also Read: Police Claim Failed Plot to Kill Businessman Preceded Lohagad Fort Death
Follow for more updates: www.instagram.com/imnindia.news/
Leave a comment