Pune police on Tuesday revealed that a 26-year-old man, Ketan, who died during a trek on June 18, was allegedly pushed into a gorge by his fiancée, Siya (20), and her lover, Chetan (22). The breakthrough in the case came from a seemingly minor detail: Chetan was spotted wearing a hoodie in 33°C weather, which raised officers' suspicions.
How the hoodie led to the truth
According to police, the unusual attire stood out during the investigation. Officers noted that while others on the trek wore light clothing suitable for the heat, Chetan kept his hoodie on, even as temperatures soared. This discrepancy prompted them to probe deeper into his background and movements. Further inquiries revealed that Siya and Chetan had been in a relationship for several months and had allegedly conspired to kill Ketan to be together.
The deadly trek
Ketan and Siya were engaged and had planned a wedding in the coming months. On June 18, they joined a group trek in the hills near Pune. During the hike, Siya and Chetan allegedly pushed Ketan off a steep gorge, making it appear like an accident. Police said the couple had staged the incident to avoid suspicion, but the hoodie clue unraveled their plan.
Police investigation and arrests
Senior Inspector Rajesh Patil of Pune Rural Police stated, "The hoodie was the first red flag. When we questioned Chetan, his answers were inconsistent, and we found evidence linking him to Siya. The investigation revealed a premeditated murder plot." Both Siya and Chetan were arrested on Tuesday and charged with murder. They are currently in police custody and will be produced before a local court.
Impact on the families
Ketan's family expressed shock and grief. His mother said, "We trusted Siya like our own daughter. We never imagined she could do this." Siya's family has declined to comment. The case has sparked discussions about trust and deception in relationships, with many calling for stricter background checks in such cases.
