Pune investigators allege Chetan Chaudhary and Siya Goyal plotted to murder businessman Ketan Agarwal by pushing him off a cliff [1].
The case highlights the use of digital evasion tactics to commit violent crimes and suggests a motive rooted in preventing a family-arranged marriage [1, 2].
Police reports indicate that Chaudhary employed what investigators call a "ghost strategy" to evade detection before the killing [2, 3]. This tactic involved remaining offline for 640 minutes, or approximately 10 hours [3]. By disabling digital footprints during this window, the suspect aimed to mask his movements and location [3].
The investigation traces the timeline back to June 4, 2024, when a missed visit to Lohagad Fort reportedly triggered agitation [2]. Investigators said the murder occurred near the fort, where Agarwal was pushed from a cliff [1, 2].
CCTV evidence played a critical role in breaking the case. Police said the anomaly of a suspect wearing a hoodie despite the temperature being 33 °C on the day of the crime was notable [4]. This specific detail helped investigators identify the individuals involved despite the attempt to remain digitally invisible [4].
Authorities identified Siya Goyal as Chaudhary's lover and a co-conspirator in the plot [1]. The pair allegedly targeted Agarwal to ensure he did not proceed with a marriage arranged by his family [1, 2].
“Chaudhary employed what investigators call a 'ghost strategy' to evade detection.”
This case demonstrates a shift in criminal tactics where suspects actively manage their digital presence to create alibis or hide movements. The reliance on a 'ghost strategy' underscores the increasing tension between digital privacy tools and forensic investigation, where physical anomalies—such as inappropriate clothing for the weather—become the primary leads when electronic trails are intentionally severed.
