A young man’s fatal fall at a historic fort in India has triggered murder allegations, intense media scrutiny, and online outrage, even as police investigations remain ongoing.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS
The death of a 26-year-old man at a historic fort in India’s western city of Pune has ignited a nationwide media storm after police accused his fiancée and her friend of murdering him and staging the incident as an accident.
Ketan Agarwal died on June 18 after falling into a ditch while visiting the scenic Lohagad Fort with his fiancée Siya Goyal.
Initially believed to be an accidental fall, the case took a dramatic turn days later when Pune police arrested Siya, 20, along with her friend Chetan Chaudhary, alleging the pair conspired to kill Ketan by pushing him from the fort.
Police claim that Siya and Chetan were in a relationship and that Siya no longer wanted to marry Chetan, despite the couple’s February engagement and ongoing wedding preparations.
Senior police official Sandeep Gill said investigators became suspicious after speaking with family members and friends.
“Ketan was an experienced trekker, and it’s hard to believe that he would suddenly slip and die like that,” Gill told reporters while announcing the arrests.
Police later said they identified a suspicious hooded man in CCTV footage from the fort area and alleged the individual was Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators cited the unusually hot weather on the day — around 33°C — to question why the man was heavily covered.
However, lawyers representing both accused have strongly denied the allegations and accused police of relying on assumptions rather than evidence.
Siya’s lawyer, Vipul Dushing, said his client has cooperated fully with investigators and denied all accusations.
“There’s no evidence and police are just drawing inferences,” he told the media, calling the arrest “haphazard” and legally unjustified.
Chetan’s lawyer Ram Shahane also rejected police claims, insisting there was no proof placing his client at the scene.
The case has rapidly evolved into what many observers describe as a “trial by media,” with television debates, viral social media posts and widespread public speculation dominating coverage before any court verdict.
Photos and videos of the couple have circulated heavily online, while Siya has faced intense abuse and accusations on social media despite the investigation still being underway.
Ketan’s grieving family has publicly demanded strict punishment. His father Vishal Agarwal said the family has sought the death penalty for those responsible for his son’s death.
The family also met with Devendra Fadnavis to seek justice. Maharashtra authorities later appointed prominent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as the public prosecutor in the case.
Meanwhile, Siya’s parents have expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy, insisting their daughter loved Ketan and had never objected to the marriage.
The accused remain in police custody and are expected to appear in court again on Friday as investigations continue.
