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Third arrest in Ketan Agarwal murder case: ‘Lover’ Chetan’s friend held as ‘he knew of earlier murder plan’

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Latest News: Todays Latest News Headlines from India & World | Hindustan Times | Hindustan Times

September 7, 2026
Third arrest in Ketan Agarwal murder case: ‘Lover’ Chetan’s friend held as ‘he knew of earlier murder plan’

Pune Rural Police have arrested Ritesh Hange, the third suspect in the premeditated murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort. Hange allegedly participated in the conspiracy alongside Agarwal's fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her boyfriend, Chetan Chaudhary.

The Unraveling of a Premeditated Tragedy at Lohagad Fort

The investigation into the death of Pune-based realtor Ketan Agarwal has taken a significant turn as Pune Rural Police confirm the third arrest in the case. What was initially reported as a tragic accident at the historic Lohagad Fort has been reclassified by law enforcement as a calculated, premeditated murder. The arrest of 22-year-old Ritesh Hange marks a pivotal development in the ongoing probe, suggesting a deeper level of coordination behind the events of June 18.

From Accident to Alleged Conspiracy

Initially, the circumstances surrounding Ketan Agarwal’s death at Lohagad Fort were treated with the caution afforded to accidental falls, a common concern in the rugged terrain of Maharashtra's hill forts. However, as evidence surfaced, the narrative shifted dramatically. Investigators now allege that 26-year-old Agarwal was intentionally pushed off a cliff. This transformation from an accidental fatality to a criminal homicide highlights the persistence of the Pune Rural Police in uncovering the truth behind the suspicious circumstances.

The Roles of the Accused

The primary suspects, 20-year-old Siya Goyal—Agarwal’s fiancée—and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Chetan Chaudhary, were taken into custody on June 23. The subsequent arrest of Ritesh Hange, a friend of Chaudhary, sheds light on the alleged conspiracy. Officials have indicated that Hange was not merely a peripheral figure but was reportedly aware of the murder plan well in advance, suggesting that the act was not an impulsive decision but a plotted orchestration.

The Impact of Forensic and Investigative Diligence

The progression of this case underscores the importance of thorough forensic investigation in cases of suspicious death. By looking past the surface-level reports of an accidental fall, investigators were able to link the suspects through a web of conspiracy. The inclusion of a third party, Hange, implies that the planning process involved more than just the two primary romantic interests, raising questions about the extent of the collaboration and the motives driving such a severe crime.

Broader Implications and Legal Context

This case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the alleged betrayal and the cold-blooded planning involved. In the context of Indian criminal law, the shift from a potential accident to a charge of conspiracy and murder carries heavy implications for the accused. As the legal proceedings move forward, the focus will remain on the specific evidence linking Hange to the planning stages of the crime, which will be central to the prosecution's case.

Conclusion

The arrest of Ritesh Hange serves as a testament to the intensity of the police investigation into the death of Ketan Agarwal. As the judicial process unfolds, the facts established by the Pune Rural Police will be critical in determining the culpability of all three suspects. This case remains a sobering reminder of how interpersonal conflicts can escalate into violent, premeditated criminal acts, necessitating a rigorous pursuit of justice by the authorities.