Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: New Twist in Probe
Pune : A new development has emerged in the Ketan Agarwal murder case, with police alleging that accused Ritesh Hange was part of discussions linked to the conspiracy to target Agarwal.
According to preliminary findings, Hange, along with Chetan Chaudhary and Siya Goyal, allegedly discussed how Agarwal could be attacked. Investigators said the accused had initially considered taking help from an outsider to carry out the killing. The plan was later allegedly changed, with the accused deciding to target Agarwal themselves.
Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill shared the details during a press conference on Monday. Crime Branch Police Inspector Pramod Kshirsagar was also present.
Hange, 23, is a resident of Pune and is reportedly a former college classmate of Chaudhary. He currently works for a private company and has previously been associated with the construction and real estate sectors.
Hange’s name reportedly emerged during statements recorded from several people as part of the investigation. Police subsequently examined his movements and collected technical and forensic evidence.
Investigators are also probing a meeting between Chaudhary and Hange after Agarwal’s murder. Police are trying to determine whether Chaudhary disclosed details of the crime to Hange during the meeting.
Another key question before investigators is whether Hange was present at Lohagad Fort around the time of the murder.
Police have recorded statements from individuals who were present in the Lohagad area during the relevant period. These statements are being cross-checked with technical evidence and information allegedly obtained from the other accused.
SP Gill said Hange was not arrested solely on suspicion. According to the police, witness statements and technical evidence were gathered before action was taken against him.
Deleted WhatsApp chats under scrutiny
A significant development in the investigation is the alleged recovery of deleted WhatsApp conversations involving Hange, Chaudhary and Goyal. Police claim the chats contain discussions about allegedly causing serious injury to Agarwal and planning an attack against him. Investigators are also examining conversations about what should be done with Agarwal and how the alleged plan could be executed.
The investigation has also revealed that the accused allegedly considered seeking assistance from an outsider. Police are examining claims that attempts were made to contact a contract killer from another state. Investigators are continuing to verify the digital evidence, witness statements, forensic findings and information obtained during the probe. The precise role of each accused will be determined based on the evidence collected and the further course of the investigation.
