A Pune court has extended the police custody of two suspects in the murder of Ketan Agarwal until July 3, 2024 [1].
The extension allows investigators more time to finalize the details of a crime that police said was meticulously planned. The case has drawn significant attention due to the alleged personal nature of the motive and the high-profile legal disputes now surrounding the defense.
Investigators said the killing occurred at Lohagad Fort in Pune, Maharashtra [2]. According to police, the accused, Siya Goyal, was unwilling to marry Agarwal and conspired with a lover to kill him under family pressure [2].
While the criminal investigation continues, a legal battle has emerged regarding who is authorized to represent Goyal. Two different lawyers are currently contesting representation for the accused [3].
This dispute has escalated into a separate legal conflict involving a defamation claim. One of the lawyers, Ashutosh Srivastava, is linked to a defamation notice totaling Rs 10 crore [1], [3]. Reports differ on the target of this notice, with some stating it was sent to Goyal's brother [3], and others indicating the suit was filed on behalf of the accused [1].
The court's decision to keep the suspects in custody ensures that police can continue questioning without interference while the representation row is settled. The investigation remains focused on the conspiracy and the specific events that led to the death at the fort [2].
“Police said the murder was meticulously planned”
The conflict over legal representation and the filing of a massive defamation suit suggest a volatile defense strategy. When multiple lawyers claim to represent a single defendant in a high-stakes murder trial, it often indicates internal fractures within the accused's support system or family, which may complicate the trial's proceedings.
