Daijiworld Media Network – Pune
Pune, Jul 7: A fresh twist has emerged in the murder of businessman Ketan Agrawal, with police claiming that the two arrested accused, Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary, had secretly married around four months before the crime.
According to police sources, the alleged marriage came to light during the examination of WhatsApp chats recovered from the mobile phones of the accused. Investigators are also analysing their call records, location history, internet searches and other digital evidence covering the past six to seven months.
Ketan Agrawal was allegedly pushed off Lohagad Fort and killed on Jun. 18. His fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her friend, Chetan Chaudhary, were arrested in connection with the murder.
Police claimed that the secret marriage had been concealed from both families. Preliminary investigations suggest that it took place around the time of Ketan and Siya's engagement on Feb. 19, although investigators are yet to establish whether the marriage occurred before or after the engagement ceremony.
Investigators also believe the alleged secret marriage explains Siya's reluctance to accompany Ketan on a planned pre-wedding photoshoot in Bali in June and her decision to avoid a birthday celebration in Mahabaleshwar. Police suspect she wanted to avoid situations where she would have to stay with Ketan in the same room.
The investigation has also revealed that an initial attempt to kill Ketan was allegedly made on Jun. 14. According to police, Siya lost her nerve during the first attempt. She later allegedly told Chetan, "I don't have the courage. You come with me. We will push him together."
Police further claimed that the accused had watched web series, podcasts and online videos to learn about different methods of committing crimes. Investigators alleged that they also studied murder cases from various states to understand how crimes could be carried out with minimal suspicion.
According to the probe, the duo concluded that using knives or other weapons could leave behind forensic evidence and increase the chances of being caught. Investigators believe this led them to allegedly choose a method that would appear to be an accident.
Police said the investigation is continuing and further digital and forensic evidence is being examined. The allegations and claims made by investigators are part of the ongoing probe and are yet to be tested in court.