Ketan Agrawal Murder: How Digital Trails Exposed the Plot
Nearly 11 hours of an internet blackout, a mobile phone left behind at a workplace, and CCTV footage of a hoodie-clad man on Lohagad Fort are the core pieces of evidence that police say unraveled the alleged conspiracy behind the death of 25-year-old Ketan Agrawal. Investigators claim that digital transparency and methodical police work exposed the alleged roles of the victim's fiancée, Siya Goel, and her associate, Chetan Chaudhary, in the June 18 incident.
How did the police investigation into Ketan Agrawal's death begin?
The breakthrough came days after Ketan's funeral, when Siya Goel visited the Agrawal family. During the visit, Ketan's sister questioned Siya about the events leading up to his death and found her responses suspicious. The family passed this information to investigators, prompting a deeper probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident at Lohagad Fort.
As investigators examined digital records, they uncovered frequent communication between Siya Goel and Chetan Chaudhary. Police data shows the two exchanged 2,004 calls between January and June, spending a cumulative 238 hours speaking over six months. This massive volume of communication raised immediate red flags for investigators.
What did Chetan Chaudhary do on June 18?
According to police, Chetan Chaudhary attempted to create a digital alibi on the day of Ketan's death. He switched off internet services on his phone at around 7 am on June 18. About an hour later, he allegedly left the device at his workplace and instructed employees to answer calls on his behalf, creating the impression that he remained at the shop throughout the day.
Investigators say Chetan travelled to Lohagad Fort carrying an employee's phone instead of his own to avoid digital tracking. To verify his whereabouts, police contacted people who had called his number that day. Callers confirmed that workers at the shop answered the calls rather than Chetan himself.
The alleged internet blackout continued until around 5.40 pm, when mobile data on his phone was switched back on. Police believe the prolonged offline period was a deliberate attempt to conceal his movements, but it ultimately highlighted his absence from the digital grid during the critical hours.
How did CCTV footage identify the suspect?
CCTV footage collected from Lohagad Fort and surrounding areas allegedly captured a man wearing a hoodie moving near Ketan and Siya during the trek. Investigators claim Siya was seen repeatedly looking back towards the individual and making gestures that appeared to draw his attention.
A police team from Lonavala Rural Police Station reviewed the footage on June 21 and began tracking the unidentified man's movements. By comparing CCTV recordings, call records and other digital evidence, investigators identified the hoodie-clad individual as Chetan Chaudhary. Police also analysed the timing of his movements and concluded that the trip to and from the fort was completed in approximately 48 minutes, indicating that he spent only a brief period at the top before leaving.
What evidence suggests a premeditated plan?
The investigation further uncovered what police believe was a pattern of planning in the weeks leading up to Ketan's death. Sources claim that after visiting Lohagad Fort on May 31, Siya allegedly pushed for another visit on June 4. While Ketan's family reportedly declined permission, investigators suspect the earlier trip may have helped familiarise her with the location.
Police sources also allege that a pre-wedding shoot planned in Bali on June 6 was cancelled after Ketan's passport went missing. Investigators suspect the document was deliberately destroyed. Officials further claim that another alleged attempt to harm Ketan on June 14 was unsuccessful.
According to investigators, the alleged plan culminated on June 18 when Ketan was taken to Lohagad Fort. Police claim the evidence gathered so far points to the involvement of both Siya Goel and Chetan Chaudhary in Ketan's death. The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to analyse digital evidence, CCTV footage and witness statements.
Who are the main suspects in the Ketan Agrawal murder case?
The main suspects are Siya Goel, the victim's fiancée, and Chetan Chaudhary. Police allege they communicated extensively and coordinated the events on June 18.
What was the motive for the internet blackout on June 18?
Police allege Chetan Chaudhary switched off his internet and left his phone at his shop to create a digital alibi, making it appear he was at work while he traveled to Lohagad Fort.
How did police identify the hoodie-clad man on CCTV?
Investigators identified the man as Chetan Chaudhary by cross-referencing CCTV footage from Lohagad Fort with call records and the digital evidence of his phone being used by employees at his shop.
What prior incidents point to a premeditated plan?
Police cite a previous trip to the fort on May 31, a cancelled Bali trip after Ketan's passport went missing, and an alleged unsuccessful attempt to harm Ketan on June 14 as evidence of premeditation.