Pune Rural Police arrested 22-year-old Ritesh Hange on September 5, 2026, as the third accused in the June 18 murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort. Investigators allege Hange knew of the murder conspiracy beforehand and was informed by prime suspect Chetan Chaudhary immediately after the fatal cliff fall.
The investigation into the death of Pune-based realtor Ketan Agarwal has deepened with the arrest of a third suspect. Pune Rural Police apprehended 22-year-old Ritesh Hange on Friday, linking him directly to the alleged conspiracy orchestrated by Agarwal’s fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her lover, Chetan Chaudhary. Hange, who is a friend and former classmate of Chaudhary, was produced before the Vadgaon Maval Sessions Court and remanded in police custody until September 12.
How an Accidental Fall Inquiry Unraveled Into a Murder Conspiracy
Agarwal died on June 18 after falling into a gorge at Lohagad Fort while trekking with Goyal. The incident was initially treated as an accidental slip while taking photographs near the edge. However, the inquiry shifted course after Agarwal’s sister questioned Goyal about inconsistencies in her account. The family subsequently approached law enforcement, prompting a formal criminal investigation that led to the arrests of Goyal and Chaudhary on June 23.
Investigators discovered that Goyal and Chaudhary had exchanged more than 2,000 calls between January and June, totaling 238 hours of phone time alongside WhatsApp and FaceTime conversations. Police also scrutinized a cancelled pre-wedding photoshoot trip to Bali, Indonesia, scheduled for June 6. Agarwal’s father, Vishal Agarwal, recounted that only Ketan’s passport was missing
from a pouch containing the family’s documents and valuables, forcing him to return from the Mumbai airport.
“They were supposed to go from Mumbai to Bali, Indonesia, on June 6 for a pre-wedding shoot.”Vishal Agarwal, via News9live
“Only Ketan’s passport was missing from a pouch containing the family’s documents and valuables.”Vishal Agarwal, via News9live
The Role of Ritesh Hange in the Plot
According to Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill, investigators uncovered Hange’s active participation through forensic examinations of mobile phone data and chat records. Police state that the conspirators discussed pushing Agarwal from the fort and removing evidence. Hange, originally from Beed district and employed at a private company in Pune’s Balewadi area, allegedly knew about the murder plot well in advance.
Police sources indicate that Choudhary and Goyal discussed the execution of the crime with Hinge prior to the June 18 ascent, repeatedly asking him to accompany them to Lohagad Fort. Hange declined the invitation. Investigators also established that Chaudhary contacted Hange immediately following the incident.
“He was aware of the earlier plan of Goyal and Chaudhary to injure Ketan by breaking his hands and legs and subsequently eliminate him.”Pune Rural Police officer
Earlier Escalations and Pre-Planning Explored by Investigators
Before selecting Lohagad Fort, the primary suspects evaluated multiple locations in the region. Official accounts note that the accused explored Tiger Point, Visapur Fort, and other local landmarks, exchanging photographs to determine which spot best suited their objective. Police also maintain that an unsuccessful attempt occurred on June 14, when the pair tried to frighten Agarwal toward a gorge by staging a snake scare.
Investigators relied heavily on digital and visual evidence to dismantle the initial accidental-death narrative. CCTV footage near the ticket counter captured Chaudhary wearing a hoodie while following Agarwal and Goyal. Police suspect Chaudhary attempted to conceal his movements by leaving his own phone at his workplace and carrying an employee’s device instead.
Vadgaon Maval Court Custody Orders and Ongoing Interrogation
The legal proceedings continue to unfold as the Vadgaon Maval court examines the extent of Hange’s involvement. Remanded until September 12, Hange faces formal co-accused status as prosecutors work to construct a comprehensive timeline of the conspiracy. Police maintain that Agarwal and Goyal became engaged in February, but the relationship between Goyal and Chaudhary turned Agarwal into an obstacle they resolved to eliminate.
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