07 September,2026 05:21 PM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill said that evidence points at suspect being in touch with the accused, police said. Pic/Special Arrangement
The investigation into the murder of Ketan Agrawal has taken a new turn with the arrest of 23-year-old Ritesh Hange, a friend of prime accused Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary, police said on Monday.
Pune Rural Police said Hange was allegedly in regular contact with the two accused before and after the crime and had concealed information from investigators.
A case has been registered against him at Lonavala Rural Police Station. A court has remanded Hange to police custody until September 12.
According to the police, Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill said forensic and technical evidence, including recovered deleted chats, indicates Hange's alleged involvement in the conspiracy.
According to investigators, Chetan had discussed different aspects of the alleged crime with Hange before the murder, suggesting that Hange may have had prior knowledge of the plan.
Police are now examining the nature of his involvement and whether he played any role in the alleged conspiracy.
Investigators suspect that Chetan, Ritesh and Siya had initially considered involving outsiders in a contract killing.
However, police believe the plan was later abandoned and the three allegedly decided to carry out the murder themselves.
Investigators are continuing to examine communications between the accused and the events leading up to the killing.
Police are also investigating whether Hange was present at Lohagad Fort when the murder took place.
Statements from eyewitnesses have been recorded, while investigators are verifying Hange's movements, phone records and digital communications.
Hange and Chetan were college classmates, police said.
Pune Rural Police said that, so far, no other person's involvement has been established in the case.
Investigators are continuing to examine forensic evidence, digital records and witness statements to establish the exact sequence of events and the role of each accused.
