The trial in the murder case of Ketan Agrawal, who was allegedly pushed to his death off Lohagad Fort by his fiancée and her boyfriend, began at the Wadgaon Maval sessions court on Saturday, with noted lawyer Ujjwal Nikam appearing as special prosecutor.
The prosecution will present its opening arguments on November 17, Nikam, who appeared in the case for the first time after his appointment as a special prosecutor, told reporters.
Key Highlights:
- The trial began at the Wadgaon Maval sessions court on Saturday.
- Ujjwal Nikam appeared as special prosecutor, with the prosecution presenting its opening arguments on November 17.
- The defence claimed that there was no evidence against Siya Goyal, and filed applications seeking bail and discharge from the case.
Context: The Case Background
According to the police, Ketan Agrawal, a real estate businessman, was set to marry Siya Goyal. As she did not want to marry him, Goyal and her boyfriend Chetan Chaudhary allegedly conspired to kill him. Hange, Chaudhary’s friend, was allegedly party to the conspiracy.
Agrawal was pushed into a gorge at Lohagad Fort near Pune on June 18, 2026, leading to his death.
Response: Trial Proceedings
The court also directed accused Ritesh Hange, who did not have a lawyer, to engage one before the next hearing. A lawyer will be appointed for him through the court if he fails to do so, the court said.
"The prosecution will inform the court about the alleged conspiracy and the evidence collected by the police regarding the roles of Goyal and her boyfriend Chaudhary at the next hearing." – Ujjwal Nikam
Nitin Bhalerao, Goyal’s lawyer, said the videographic and other technical evidence collected by the police has not yet been provided to the defence. Therefore, an application seeking access to the evidence was also filed.
Senior advocate Vipul Dushing will appear for the defence on November 17, Bhalerao said, adding that the defence believes the evidence collected by the police was insufficient to secure a conviction.
The trial will continue with the prosecution presenting its opening arguments on November 17, and the defence will present its arguments at a later date.
The next hearing is scheduled for November 17, where the prosecution will present its opening arguments, and the defence will present its arguments. The trial will continue thereafter.