In a significant development in the Ketan Agarwal murder case, police have arrested Ritesh Hange, a friend of accused Chetan Chaudhary, for his alleged involvement in the murder conspiracy.
Police had earlier arrested the main accused, Siya Goyal, and her lover, Chetan Chaudhary. Hange is now the third suspect to be arrested in connection with the sensational murder of real estate businessman Ketan Agarwal at Pune's Lohagad Fort.
Hange was produced before the Vadgaon Maval Court, which remanded him to police custody till September 12.
Ritesh Allegedly Involved In Murder Plot
According to police, Hange was allegedly part of the conspiracy to kill Agarwal. Investigators have found that after the murder, Chaudhary allegedly called Hange and informed him about the crime.
Police have also found that the accused initially planned to break Agarwal's hands and legs before killing him. Hange's arrest is expected to provide further details about the alleged conspiracy and the roles of those involved.
Missing Passport Raises Suspicion
Agarwal's father, Vishal Agarwal, has also alleged that the murder may have been preceded by another part of the conspiracy.
According to him, Agarwal and Goyal were scheduled to travel to Bali for a pre-wedding shoot. Their passports and other documents were kept in the same pouch. During a stop at a food mall, Goyal reportedly returned to the car, saying she had forgotten her phone.
However, when the group reached Mumbai airport, everyone's passports were found except Agarwal's. He was consequently unable to travel and had to return from the airport.
His father suspects the missing passport was part of a plan to prevent Agarwal from travelling and potentially frame him before the murder. Agarwal was allegedly killed 12 days later.
Police are probing whether the passport incident was connected to the larger conspiracy and whether other people were involved.
What Happened At Lohagad Fort?
On June 18, Siya took her fiance, Ketan, to Lohagad Fort and, with the help of Chetan, pushed him into a 400-foot-deep gorge. Ketan Agarwal died after falling into the gorge.
Initially, Siya tried to pass it off as an accident, but based on the police investigation and statements of people present at the fort, the police arrested Siya and Chetan on June 23.
How Police Uncovered The Murder Plot
Agarwal's sister suspected foul play after his death. Four days after the funeral, when Goyal visited Agarwal's family to offer condolences, his sister questioned her about the trekking trip.
Police said Goyal's inconsistent and uncomfortable responses raised further suspicion. The family subsequently approached the police and sought a fresh investigation.
CCTV footage from the fort also showed a suspicious man in a hoodie following Agarwal and Goyal, even in the scorching heat. Police linked the man to Chaudhary, which became another key lead in the investigation.