'Siya Goyal's wig remark, forced marriage, secret relationship': Twist after twist in murder case

Police have arrested Ketan Agarwal's fiancée, Siya Goyal (20), and her alleged partner, Chetan Chaudhary (22), accusing them of conspiring to kill the 25-year-old realtor by pushing him into a gorge on June 18.

PUNE: What initially appeared to be an accidental fall at Lohagad Fort has turned into a murder investigation that, according to Pune Rural Police, points to a web of alleged motives involving a secret relationship, reluctance to marry, family pressure and other claims that have surfaced during the probe.Police have arrested Ketan Agarwal's fiancée, Siya Goyal (20), and her alleged partner, Chetan Chaudhary (22), accusing them of conspiring to kill the 25-year-old realtor by pushing him into a gorge on June 18. Both are in police custody.

As the probe has progressed, investigators, the accused and family members have put forward different explanations surrounding the alleged motive.Here's what we know so far:

Reluctance to marry and alleged family pressure

Police have claimed that Siya was not mentally prepared for marriage and was allegedly under pressure from her family to go ahead with the wedding.Investigators said she had earlier expressed reservations about the marriage and had even sought a year's postponement.The couple got engaged in February this year and were scheduled to marry in November.According to police, Siya allegedly told investigators she wanted more time for herself but could not openly refuse the marriage because it would have hurt her family.

A secret relationship

Investigators allege Siya was in a relationship with co-accused Chetan Chaudhary for several months before Ketan's death.

Police said the two spoke 2,004 times over six months, with conversations lasting about 238 hours in total. Investigators also claim CCTV footage and digital evidence show they met before the incident and planned the crime.Police further alleged that the duo feared eloping would bring disrepute to their families and instead conspired to eliminate Agarwal.

Financial status and family opposition

Police are also examining whether differences in financial background played a role.According to investigators, Siya's family allegedly became aware of her closeness to Chaudhary in January but proceeded with her engagement to Ketan because the Agarwal family was financially better placed.Police said this forms one of the angles being examined while investigating the alleged motive.

The wig claim

Another claim that emerged during the investigation relates to Ketan's appearance.Police sources said Siya allegedly told investigators that she disliked Ketan because he wore a hair patch.

Officials, however, said this could not be treated as the sole reason behind the alleged crime.Ketan's father rejected the claim, saying the Agarwal family had informed Siya's family about the hair patch before the engagement."Wearing a hair patch cannot be a reason to kill my son. If she disliked it, she should have refused the marriage," he said.

Love. Lies. A fatal fall.

Who planned the murder?

The investigation has also produced conflicting versions from the two accused.According to Pune Rural Police, both initially blamed each other during interrogation.Police said Siya allegedly claimed Chaudhary came up with the plan to kill Ketan, while Chaudhary alleged Siya pressured him into committing the crime.However, investigators said evidence collected so far points towards Siya being the alleged mastermind behind the conspiracy. However, news agency PTI reported that another police official later said questioning suggested Chaudhary had allegedly instigated Siya to eliminate Agarwal.The investigation into the exact roles of both accused is continuing.

'Too late' to call off the wedding?

Police said Siya has claimed during interrogation that she had told Ketan she did not want to marry him, but he allegedly replied that it was too late to call off the wedding.Investigators, however, said chats recovered from the couple's mobile phones do not appear to support this claim. According to police, the messages show the two communicating like a normal engaged couple before the incident.

Multiple alleged attempts

Police have also alleged that the June 18 incident was not the first attempt.Investigators claim Siya repeatedly persuaded Ketan to visit Lohagad Fort and that alleged attempts to kill him were made on earlier visits but failed. Police are also probing allegations that she sabotaged the couple's planned Bali pre-wedding trip by allegedly disposing of Ketan's passport.

Investigation continues

Police said they are continuing to examine CCTV footage, call records, digital evidence, forensic material and statements from family members and witnesses.The accused remain in police custody till June 29, while investigators continue to probe the alleged conspiracy and determine the precise motive behind Ketan Agarwal's death.