Pune, June 29: The investigation into the alleged murder of Pune-based realtor Ketan Agarwal has taken another significant turn after Sahil Goyal, brother of the prime accused Siya Goyal, publicly denied appointing advocate Aashutosh Srivastava to represent the family. Sahil also revealed that an affidavit has been filed before the court clarifying the family’s position regarding the lawyer’s representation.
Speaking to the media ahead of a crucial court hearing, Sahil Goyal stated that neither he nor his family had authorized Aashutosh Srivastava to appear on Siya Goyal’s behalf. According to him, advocate Vipul Dushing is the only lawyer officially representing the family in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Sahil further alleged that Srivastava may have obtained Siya Goyal’s signature “by deceit” and claimed that the family has already informed the court through a sworn affidavit. He also accused the advocate of threatening family members, although no further details regarding the alleged threats were disclosed publicly.
The controversy comes after Aashutosh Srivastava made several media appearances identifying himself as Siya Goyal’s legal counsel and defending her against the allegations in the high-profile murder case. The family’s latest statement has raised fresh questions over the legitimacy of his representation.
Bali Trip Cancellation Under Investigation
Sahil Goyal also confirmed that he was expected to accompany Ketan Agarwal and Siya Goyal on their planned trip to Bali for a pre-wedding photoshoot. However, the trip was cancelled after Ketan’s passport reportedly went missing.
Investigators believe the missing passport is a crucial piece of evidence in the alleged murder conspiracy. According to Pune Police, the passport disappeared before the scheduled departure on June 6, forcing the couple to abandon their travel plans. Police suspect the disappearance was not accidental but part of a carefully planned sequence of events that ultimately led to Ketan Agarwal’s death at Lohagad Fort on June 18.
Ongoing Investigation
Police allege that Siya Goyal conspired with co-accused Chetan Chaudhary to murder Ketan Agarwal. Investigators claim the conspiracy involved meticulous planning, with the missing passport and subsequent cancellation of the Bali trip forming an important part of the timeline under examination. The accused have been remanded to police custody as investigators continue to gather digital, forensic, and circumstantial evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the accused are yet to be tested in court. Authorities have stated that further details will emerge as the probe progresses and evidence is presented during judicial proceedings.
