Ketan Agarwal Escaped Fiancee's First Push At Lohagad Fort Days Before Alleged Murder, Claims Father

Ketan Agarwal's death at Maharashtra's Lohagad Fort has taken a shocking turn after his family alleged that the real estate director survived an earlier attempt on his life just four days before he was allegedly murdered. New claims made by his father suggest that the June 18 incident was not the first time his fiancée Siya Goyal allegedly tried to kill him at the historic hill fort.

Father Claims First Attempt Took Place On June 14

According to Ketan's father, Vishal Agarwal, Siya had allegedly taken Ketan to Lohagad Fort on June 14, where she tried to push him off a cliff. However, Ketan reportedly survived after grabbing onto a bush.

"On June 14, they both went to the fort alone, and Siya pushed Ketan. After the push, Ketan grabbed a bush and escaped. Fearing the secret would be revealed, Siya shouted 'snake, snake'," Vishal Agarwal said.

He further claimed that the couple had initially planned to travel abroad, but the trip was cancelled after Ketan's passport mysteriously went missing at the airport.

"When they arrived at the airport, everyone's passports were there, but Ketan's passport was missing. It seemed as if it had fallen somewhere. They tried to search for it, but the passport was nowhere to be found. Therefore, they returned. After returning, on the third or fourth day, she quarrelled with him again, arguing that they had to go to Lohagad Fort."

The 'Snake' Warning And A Hug

Describing the alleged first attempt, Vishal Agarwal said his son had begun to realise what had happened after surviving the fall. It was then, he claimed, that Siya allegedly tried to divert attention from the incident.

"And then, on June 14, she went to Lohagad. They were both alone at that time. She pushed Ketan. After being pushed, Ketan slipped backwards, and a bush caught his hand. He escaped by grabbing hold of that bush. He then began to regain consciousness, realising that he had been pushed and that he had survived. Siya immediately shouted, 'snake, snake' and went and hugged him."

The family's account has added a new dimension to the investigation, suggesting that the fatal incident may have been preceded by an unsuccessful attempt days earlier.

Death Initially Treated As An Accident

Ketan Agarwal, a resident of Gahunje in Pune district and director of a family-run real estate business, died on June 18 after falling nearly 400 feet into a gorge near Lohagad Fort. The fort, associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist destination.

Following the incident, Siya allegedly told police that Ketan had slipped due to strong winds while the couple was visiting the fort. An accidental death report was initially registered by Lonavala rural police.

However, investigators later found circumstances surrounding the case suspicious and began probing other angles.

Murder Conspiracy Angle Emerges

On Tuesday, Pune rural police arrested Siya Goyal and her alleged lover, Chetan Babulal Chaudhary, in connection with the case. Investigators believe the two were involved in a conspiracy to eliminate Ketan.

Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill said police examined financial and personal relationship angles during the investigation. Officers concluded that Siya and Chetan were in a relationship and allegedly viewed Ketan as an obstacle.

Police claim Siya lured Ketan to Lohagad Fort under the pretext of an outing, while Chetan later joined them at the location. The duo allegedly pushed Ketan into the gorge, leading to his death.

"Following a complaint lodged by Ketan's father, Vishal Agarwal, the Lonavala rural police registered a case of murder and criminal conspiracy under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on Tuesday," Superintendent Gill said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Ketan and Siya were scheduled to marry later this year. Their families had already made extensive wedding preparations, including booking a palace in Udaipur for what was expected to be a lavish ceremony.