Pune: The investigation into the alleged murder of Ketan Agrawal at Lohagad Fort has taken a fresh turn after his father dismissed claims that his son’s wig was a factor unknown to the bride’s family. Vishal Agrawal said both families were fully aware that Ketan wore a small wig patch due to hair loss before his engagement to Siya Goyal, questioning whether such a reason could ever justify murder.

His remarks came after police sources indicated that investigators were examining multiple possible motives behind the alleged crime, including Siya’s dissatisfaction with Ketan’s appearance. Police, however, clarified that the wig issue was only one of several factors being probed and not the sole motive behind the alleged conspiracy.

The case, which initially appeared to be a trekking accident, has now become one of Maharashtra’s most closely watched murder investigations, with police alleging that the killing was pre-planned.

Father rejects wig-related motive

Speaking to the media, Vishal Agrawal said there had been complete transparency between both families before the engagement.

“We had clearly told Siya Goyal’s family that Ketan used a small patch of wig on his head. Is this a reason to kill someone?” he asked.

He also claimed that, according to his knowledge, it was Siya who had expressed interest in going on the trek to Lohagad Fort, where Ketan later lost his life.

His statement directly challenges speculation that the discovery of Ketan’s wig came as a surprise after the engagement.

Police examining multiple motives

According to police sources, investigators are looking at three possible motives behind the alleged murder.

They include:

  • Siya Goyal’s alleged relationship with co-accused Chetan Chaudhary.
  • Her alleged dislike of Ketan’s thinning hair and wig patch.
  • Dissatisfaction over Ketan’s slight stammer.

Investigators have also stated that Ketan’s speech condition was known to both families before the engagement and was reportedly never treated as a major issue.

Police maintain that the investigation is continuing and that all possible motives are being examined as part of the probe.

From accidental death to murder investigation

The case relates to the death of Ketan Agrawal on June 18 during a trek at Lohagad Fort near Pune.

Initially treated as an accidental fall, the investigation later took a dramatic turn after police alleged that the incident was a planned murder.

According to investigators, Siya Goyal, along with her alleged lover Chetan Chaudhary, conspired to kill Ketan. Police claim the duo pushed him off a cliff after allegedly making two unsuccessful attempts to execute the plan earlier.

Authorities allege the conspiracy had been in the making for several months before the incident occurred.

Family seeks capital punishment

On Friday, Vishal Agrawal met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Pune and demanded the harshest punishment for those accused in the case.

He said he urged the Chief Minister to ensure that the accused receive the death penalty. According to Agrawal, the Chief Minister assured him that the investigation would be fast-tracked and informed him that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted to probe the case.

The family has repeatedly sought swift justice, arguing that the alleged murder was carefully planned and executed.

CM Fadnavis calls incident ‘extremely shocking’

Responding publicly to the case for the first time, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the alleged crime as deeply disturbing and said it raised broader social concerns beyond criminal accountability.

He said the incident was “extremely shocking” and beyond imagination, adding that society must reflect on why young people from educated and financially secure families develop such destructive thinking.

Fadnavis emphasised that the case should not be viewed only as a criminal matter but also as a social issue requiring deeper introspection into the values and environment shaping young minds.

As the SIT continues its investigation, police are expected to gather further forensic and digital evidence to establish the motive and sequence of events leading to Ketan Agrawal’s death.