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As police probe the Lohagad Fort murder, a critical question emerges: did Siya Goyal delete crucial evidence from Ketan Agarwal's phone while holding it?
The Pune real estate agent and his fiancée’s prolonged possession of his mobile device has become a focal point in the ongoing investigation into the Ketan Agarwal murder case. Police confirmed on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, that Siya Goyal retained the victim’s phone for a significant period before finally surrendering it to his relatives. This detail has sparked intense scrutiny regarding potential tampering with digital evidence crucial to the alleged murder.
Agarwal was reportedly pushed to his death from a cliff at the historic Lohagad Fort in the Pune district on June 18, 2026. The incident involved Goyal, aged 20, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary, 22. The two suspects were promptly arrested following the incident and have been held in police custody, with their remand extended until July 3. The investigation has revealed that Goyal had access to Agarwal’s device after the alleged assault, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the digital record.
The primary concern for investigators is whether Goyal used the time she had with the phone to delete or destroy evidence that could implicate her and Chaudhary. During a court hearing on Monday, June 30, 2026, the prosecution explicitly requested an extension of the custody for the duo. In their submission, they informed the court that investigators needed to ascertain the status of the data on Agarwal’s mobile. The prosecution argued that the window between the alleged murder and the handover of the phone to the family was a critical period where evidence could have been erased.
A Pune Rural police official clarified the sequence of events, stating that Agarwal’s mobile phone came into Goyal’s possession immediately after he was allegedly pushed off the cliff at the historical site. The official noted, “She later handed over the phone to his family. We are investigating whether any crucial evidence was deleted or tampered with while the phone was in her possession.” This statement underscores the urgency of the police inquiry into the device’s data logs and recovery possibilities.
To complement the digital investigation, authorities have focused heavily on physical evidence reconstruction. On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Pune Rural police took co-accused Chetan Chaudhary to Lohagad Fort. The purpose of this visit was to recreate the crime scene, allowing investigators to analyze the spatial dynamics of the alleged crime. Chaudhary is accused of playing a significant role in the conspiracy to murder Agarwal, and his presence at the scene aids in verifying the feasibility of the alleged actions.
This was not the first time the crime scene had been reenacted. Earlier, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, police conducted a similar reconstruction with Goyal. During this exercise, a dummy was pushed off the cliff in her presence to simulate the exact movements and physical requirements of the alleged murder. These reconstructions help police understand the mechanics of the crime and test the consistency of the suspects' statements with the physical evidence at the site.
The investigation has also delved into the personal dynamics leading up to the tragedy. Police revealed that Ketan Agarwal’s father, Vishal Agarwal, had raised alarms prior to the incident. In his complaint, Vishal Agarwal mentioned that his son had repeatedly expressed concerns about Goyal’s close relationship with Chetan Chaudhary. He stated that Goyal often mentioned Chaudhary’s name in their conversations, causing Agarwal distress.
Furthermore, police noted that Goyal had previously interfered with the couple’s plans. The duo, who were set to marry in November of this year, had planned a pre-wedding trip to Bali, Indonesia. According to police reports, Goyal had sabotaged this trip, adding to the pattern of behavior that police are now investigating as part of the motive or context for the alleged conspiracy.
The arrest of Goyal and Chaudhary followed the discovery of Agarwal’s body. As they remain in custody until July 3, the focus remains on the phone’s data and the consistency of the suspects' accounts with the physical evidence at Lohagad Fort. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the premeditated nature of the alleged plot and the breach of trust involved.
The resolution of the Ketan Agarwal case will likely influence how digital evidence is treated in domestic conspiracy cases. If Goyal is found to have deleted data, it will signal a severe obstruction of justice. As the investigation continues, the forensic analysis of the phone will be paramount. The outcome will depend on whether recovered data contradicts the suspects' statements. This case highlights the importance of immediate police seizure of devices to prevent tampering. Future investigations into similar crimes will likely emphasize rapid digital forensics to preserve the truth.
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