Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the establishment of a fast-track court for the Lohagad Fort murder case on June 26, 2024 [2].
The move accelerates the legal process for a high-profile violent crime, responding to public demand for swift justice for the victim's family.
Fadnavis met with the father of the victim, Ketan Agarwal, in Pune to discuss the proceedings [1]. During the meeting, the chief minister agreed to the family's requests to expedite the trial to ensure a timely conviction [2]. As part of this directive, Fadnavis appointed senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam to serve as the special public prosecutor for the case [1].
Ketan Agarwal, who was 25 years old, died at Lohagad Fort near Pune [3]. Police reports indicate the victim was murdered by a fiancé and a lover while taking photographs at the site [3]. The nature of the crime and the location have drawn significant attention in the region.
The Chief Minister's Office said on Twitter that "Fadnavis accepted the family's demands on the spot" [4]. This immediate administrative action is intended to prevent delays often associated with standard criminal court calendars in Maharashtra.
By appointing Nikam, a veteran prosecutor known for handling complex and sensitive cases, the state government is signaling a commitment to a rigorous prosecution. The fast-track court is designed to prioritize the hearings and expedite the delivery of a verdict [2].
“Fadnavis accepted the family's demands on the spot”
The appointment of a specialized prosecutor and the creation of a fast-track court suggest that the Maharashtra government is treating this case as a priority for public order. By bypassing standard judicial timelines, the state aims to provide a visible deterrent against violent crime and address the family's grief through rapid legal resolution.
