Lohagad Murder Case: Third Accused Arrested in Ketan Agarwal Case

Pune: The investigation into the alleged murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort has taken a new turn with the arrest of a third accused. Pune Rural Police have detained 22-year-old Ritesh Hange, a friend of Chetan Chaudhary, who was already arrested along with Agarwal’s fiancée Siya Goyal.

According to the police investigation, Hange allegedly had prior knowledge of the plan to target Agarwal and remained in contact with Chaudhary during the period surrounding the crime. Investigators reportedly uncovered his alleged role after analysing a mobile phone and recovering deleted WhatsApp conversations.

Agarwal died after allegedly being pushed from a cliff at Lohagad Fort on June 18. The incident was initially treated as an accidental fall, but the investigation changed direction after inconsistencies emerged in the account of what had happened. Police later arrested Goyal and Chaudhary on June 23, alleging that the two had conspired to kill Agarwal.

Investigators have been examining digital records, CCTV footage, call details and other evidence to establish the alleged conspiracy. Earlier in the probe, police said CCTV footage showed Chaudhary following Agarwal and Goyal during their visit to Lohagad, which helped investigators trace his involvement.

The probe has also indicated that the alleged plan was developed over a period of time. Police previously stated that Goyal and Chaudhary had considered other locations before Lohagad and had allegedly discussed ways of carrying out the attack while avoiding suspicion.

Another aspect examined by investigators is the relationship between Goyal and Chaudhary. Police allege that the two were in a relationship while Goyal was engaged to Agarwal, and that this became a possible motive behind the alleged conspiracy.

The latest arrest is significant as investigators are now examining whether Hange played a larger role in the planning and what information he allegedly possessed before and after the incident.

Hange was produced before the Vadgaon Maval court and has been remanded to police custody until September 12, according to reports. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against all the accused are yet to be tested before a court.