From UNESCO Site To Crime Spot: Lohagad Fort Sees 50% Tourist Boom After Siya-Ketan Case

Lohagad Fort, a centuries-old hill fort near Pune known for its historical significance and scenic trekking trails, has witnessed a sharp rise in tourist footfall after it became the centre of the Ketan Agarwal murder case.

The fort, believed to date back to the 10th century and closely associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is a UNESCO-recognised heritage site that typically draws visitors for its history, scenic views and a relatively easy two-to-three-hour trek.

Tourists Visit Murder Site

However, many are now visiting for an entirely different reason — to see the gorge where 26-year-old realtor Ketan Agarwal allegedly lost his life.

Police have accused Ketan’s fiancée, Siya Goyal, and co-accused Chetan Chaudhary of pushing him off a cliff

at the fort on June 18. Investigators allege the two planned the murder and attempted to portray the incident as an accident. Both have been arrested and remain key accused in the case.

Heritage Fort Draws Curious Crowds

According to officials, the crime has significantly increased the number of visitors to the fort. “While approximately 1,000 tourists used to visit on holidays before, the figure has now risen to 1,500. The number of visitors on weekdays, which used to be around 400, has now crossed the 600 mark,” NDTV reported, quoting an official as saying.

The fort was temporarily closed earlier to enable investigators to recreate the crime scene. Several visitors waited outside, disappointed that they were unable to enter, while many others leaving the fort reportedly said they had come specifically because of the murder case, which has drawn nationwide attention.