What initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident at Lohagad Fort near Pune has unravelled into an alleged murder conspiracy, with police claiming that a hooded man's suspicious appearance in CCTV footage proved crucial in exposing the plot.

Investigators said footage from cameras installed at the fort's ticket counter showed 26-year-old businessman Ketan Agarwal and his fiancée Siya Goyal walking together shortly before his death on June 18. Trailing a few metres behind them was a man later identified as 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, who police allege was Siya's lover and co-conspirator.

According to officials, the man's unusual attire immediately drew attention. Despite temperatures touching around 33°C, he was seen wearing shorts and a hoodie pulled low over his face, with a headset worn over the hood.

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Police said another clip showed Siya suddenly looking back while the hooded man abruptly sat down, behaviour investigators found suspicious. The footage prompted a closer examination of the circumstances surrounding Ketan's death, which had initially been registered as an accidental fall from a cliff.

CCTV clues and failed attempts

As the investigation progressed, officers learnt from Ketan's family that Siya had repeatedly encouraged him to visit Lohagad Fort in the weeks leading up to the incident.

Police said Siya and Ketan, who got engaged in February and were due to marry in November, had visited the fort on May 31. She allegedly urged him to return on June 4, but his mother prevented the trip.

Investigators further alleged that Siya attempted to push Ketan off a cliff during another visit to the fort on June 14. Ketan reportedly managed to save himself by grabbing a bush. When he questioned what had happened, Siya allegedly claimed there was a snake nearby and portrayed herself as having protected him.

The couple had also planned a pre-wedding photoshoot in Bali, but the trip never took place after Ketan's passport reportedly went missing.

Call records reveal alleged conspiracy

Investigators widened the probe after uncovering information suggesting Siya had reservations about the marriage. Family members told police that she had previously sought to postpone the wedding.

Analysis of call detail records and digital evidence revealed extensive communication between Siya and Chaudhary, including thousands of calls over a prolonged period, police said.

Officers compared photographs and social media profiles linked to Chaudhary with the CCTV footage from the fort, eventually identifying him as the hooded man seen near the couple on the day of the incident.

Based on technical evidence and intelligence gathered by local police and the Local Crime Branch, Chaudhary was detained and questioned. Police said his interrogation helped establish what they described as a premeditated conspiracy involving both accused.

According to investigators, the motive stemmed from Siya's relationship with Chaudhary and her reluctance to proceed with the marriage. During questioning, Chaudhary allegedly told police that Siya did not want to call off the engagement and elope because she feared it would bring dishonour to her family.

Both Siya and Chaudhary have been arrested and charged with murder and criminal conspiracy.

Ketan, a resident of Gahunje in Pune district, was a director and chief marketing officer of his family's real estate firm, Success Group. He held a master's degree in entrepreneurship, while Siya had graduated in commerce from a private college.