Third Arrest in Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: Chetan’s Friend Held for Allegedly Knowing of Earlier Murder Plan

The Pune Rural Police on Saturday arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the murder of Pune-based realtor Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort in June, officials said.

The accused, identified as Ritesh Hange, is allegedly a friend of Chetan Chaudhary, who was previously arrested along with Agarwal’s fiancée, Siya Goyal. Hange is the third person to be arrested in the case, PTI reported, citing police officials.

What is Ritesh Hange accused of?

According to police, Hange was allegedly involved in the conspiracy to murder Agarwal and was aware of the plans made by Goyal and Chaudhary.

Police said Goyal and Chaudhary allegedly pushed Agarwal off a cliff at Lohagad Fort in Pune district on June 18.

“During the investigation, it came to light that Ritesh was involved in the planning of Ketan Agarwal’s murder,” Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill was quoted as saying by PTI.

Another police officer said Hange was aware of an earlier plan to seriously injure Agarwal by breaking his hands and legs before eventually killing him. After allegedly carrying out the murder at Lohagad Fort, Chaudhary reportedly contacted Hange and informed him about the crime.

What was the earlier plan?

Police said Goyal and Chaudhary had initially discussed injuring Agarwal to delay his upcoming marriage to Goyal. However, they allegedly abandoned the plan after deciding it was too risky and instead plotted to kill him.

The accused allegedly considered different ways to make Agarwal’s death appear accidental. Police said they watched suspense films and searched the internet while planning the crime.

The group also reportedly explored several possible locations, including Tiger Point and Visapur Fort, as well as other forts in the region, before choosing Lohagad Fort.

According to police, the accused exchanged photographs of the locations and assessed which one would best suit their plan before allegedly carrying out the murder.