Pune Court Sends Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary to Judicial Custody as Police Probe Deepens in Ketan Agarwal Murder Case

The investigation into the alleged murder of Pune resident Ketan Agarwal has entered a new phase after a local court on Friday sent the two accused, Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary, to 14 days of judicial custody. Both have been lodged in Yerwada Central Jail after the court declined the Pune Police's request for an extension of their custodial interrogation.

The order was passed by the Judicial Magistrate (First Class) in Vadgaon, which directed that both accused remain in judicial custody until July 16 while investigators continue gathering evidence.

Court Rejects Polygraph Test Without Consent

One of the key developments during Friday's hearing was the issue of a polygraph, or lie detector, test.

Although Siya Goyal's counsel had earlier indicated that she was prepared to undergo the examination, both accused later refused to give their consent before the court.

Judicial Magistrate A.M. Vibhute ruled that such tests cannot be conducted without the voluntary consent of the accused, effectively closing the possibility of a polygraph examination at this stage of the investigation.

Second Mobile Phone Recovered

Police said they have recovered another mobile phone allegedly hidden at Siya Goyal's residence during searches conducted on Friday.

The device has been seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed examination. Investigators believe the handset could contain crucial digital evidence related to the case.

According to police officials, forensic experts have already managed to retrieve a significant amount of deleted data from previously seized mobile phones.

Coded Conversations Under Investigation

Investigators claim the accused communicated through coded language, nicknames and emojis while allegedly discussing the murder plan.

Cyber experts are now assisting the investigation to decode these conversations and determine whether they reveal advance planning or coordination between the accused.

Police officials have not disclosed the exact contents of the recovered chats but believe the digital evidence may strengthen the prosecution's case.

Police Probe Possible Third Accomplice

The investigation has also widened to examine whether another individual had prior knowledge of the alleged conspiracy.

According to police sources, a young man from Maharashtra's Beed district, employed with a private company in Pune's Balewadi area, has been detained for questioning.

Investigators suspect he may have been informed about the alleged murder plan by either Siya Goyal or Chetan Chaudhary before the incident.

Authorities have not named the individual, and officials are reportedly considering whether he should be treated as a witness depending on the outcome of questioning.

Police Outline Alleged Timeline

According to the investigation conducted so far, police believe the alleged conspiracy unfolded over nearly three weeks.

Investigators claim that the plan was conceived on May 31, after Ketan Agarwal suggested trekking at Lohagad Fort, a destination he frequently visited.

Police allege Siya later persuaded Ketan to visit the fort and even hid his passport ahead of an overseas trip, claiming it was part of efforts to prevent alternative travel plans.

Investigators further allege that on June 14, Siya made an initial attempt to push Ketan from the fort, but he survived after grabbing hold of a tree. Police say she later explained the incident by claiming she had tried to save him from a snake.

The prosecution alleges that on June 18, Siya invited Ketan back to Lohagad Fort under the pretext of a pre-wedding photoshoot before travelling to Mahabaleshwar for her birthday celebrations.

Police claim Chetan Chaudhary followed the couple to the location and that both accused allegedly pushed Ketan from behind while he was looking towards the valley, causing his fatal fall.

Investigation Continues

Ketan Agarwal and Siya Goyal had become engaged on February 11 and were scheduled to marry in November 2026, according to investigators.

With fresh digital evidence under forensic examination and police exploring the possible involvement of additional individuals, the investigation remains active. Officials say further findings from the seized mobile phones and forensic analysis are expected to play a significant role as the case progresses.

The accused remain under judicial custody, while police continue collecting evidence before filing further submissions before the court.