Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: Third Arrest as Chetan’s Friend Ritesh Hange Held Over Alleged Conspiracy

Pune Rural Police have arrested 22-year-old Ritesh Hange in connection with the alleged murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort.

Hange is reportedly a longtime friend of Chetan Chaudhary, who police allege was in a relationship with Agarwal’s fiancée, Siya Goyal.

According to investigators, Hange's alleged involvement emerged during the examination of deleted conversations recovered from Chetan's mobile phone.

Police Allege Hange Knew About Earlier Plan

Investigators claim Hange was aware of an earlier plan allegedly discussed by Goyal and Chaudhary to harm Ketan before the fatal incident.

Police further allege that Hange knew how and when the alleged plan was intended to be carried out. Authorities are examining his communications with Chetan as part of the conspiracy investigation.

The allegations have not been established in court, and the investigation is continuing.

Deleted WhatsApp Chats Under Investigation

According to Pune Rural Police, some conversations between Hange and Chetan had reportedly been deleted.

Forensic examination of Chetan's phone allegedly helped investigators recover the deleted data, leading them to examine Hange's role more closely.

Police have booked Hange under Section 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to criminal conspiracy.

What Happened at Lohagad Fort?

Ketan Agarwal, aged 26, died on June 18 after falling from a cliff at Lohagad Fort in Pune district.

Police initially investigated the death as an accident. According to investigators, however, inconsistencies in the account of the incident and subsequent evidence led to a murder investigation.

Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary were arrested on June 23 and remain accused in the case. Police allege that the two pushed Agarwal from the cliff as part of a plan to eliminate him.

Relationship Angle Being Probed

Investigators allege that Goyal and Chetan were in a relationship while Goyal was engaged to Ketan.

Police believe the alleged relationship may have been a motive behind the murder. Goyal and Ketan had reportedly become engaged earlier this year and were expected to marry later in 2026.

Ritesh Hange Sent to Police Custody

After his arrest, Hange was produced before a court in Vadgaon Maval.

The court has remanded him to police custody until September 12, allowing investigators additional time to question him and examine his alleged role in the conspiracy.