Pune Trek Death Case Turns Murder Probe, Fiancée And Friend Arrested By Police
Police arrest fiancée and friend as Lohagad trek death becomes murder probe.
A 26-year-old Pune man’s death during a trek at Lohagad Fort in Maval tehsil has taken a new turn after police reportedly converted the case into a murder investigation, leading to the arrest of his fiancée and a close friend. The incident, which initially appeared to be a tragic accident, is now under fresh scrutiny as authorities examine inconsistencies in the sequence of events.
The deceased, identified as Ketan Vishal Agarwal, was a resident of Gahunje near Pune city and a director in his family’s real estate business. He was scheduled to get married in November this year. Agarwal had visited Lohagad Fort with his fiancée and two close friends to celebrate the birthday of his to-be bride when the incident occurred.
According to police, Agarwal reportedly lost his balance near a cliff while taking photographs amid strong winds. The incident took place around 10:30 am on June 19, when he slipped and fell into a valley nearly 400 feet deep. Initial assessments suggested it was an accidental death caused by hazardous trekking conditions.
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Following the fall, members of the Shivdurg Mitra Emergency Rescue Team along with police personnel conducted a search and rescue operation. Inspector Dinesh Tayde of Lonavala Rural police station said the operation lasted nearly three hours before Agarwal’s body was recovered from the difficult terrain. The challenging geography of the fort area significantly complicated the recovery effort.
However, subsequent developments have reportedly prompted investigators to revisit the case, with police now treating it as a suspected murder. His fiancée and one of the accompanying friends have been detained in connection with the incident. Officials are examining whether there were any disputes or circumstances that may have led to foul play.
Authorities are currently reconstructing the timeline of the trek and analyzing statements, digital evidence and other forensic inputs to determine what exactly transpired before Agarwal’s fatal fall. The case has drawn attention in Pune and surrounding regions, raising questions about safety and trust during group trekking activities. Police have stated that the investigation remains ongoing and further clarity will emerge once all evidence is reviewed.
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