Pune, July 2, 2026 — Pune Police have approached a court seeking permission to conduct a polygraph (lie-detector) test on accused Siya Goyal as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Pune-based real estate developer Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort. Investigators say the examination could help verify statements and potentially uncover fresh leads in a case that currently relies heavily on circumstantial evidence.
The case has attracted significant public attention since police alleged that Siya Goyal and her boyfriend, Chetan Chaudhary, were involved in the events that led to Agarwal’s death on June 19. However, investigators have acknowledged that they have not yet secured conclusive evidence establishing who was directly responsible for the fatal fall from the fort.
Investigation Faces Evidence Challenges
According to information presented during the investigation, authorities have encountered multiple challenges while attempting to reconstruct the sequence of events surrounding the incident.
Police officials have stated that there were no direct eyewitnesses to the alleged crime. Additionally, surveillance cameras in the area reportedly did not capture the exact location where Ketan Agarwal fell, limiting the availability of visual evidence.
Investigators have also raised concerns regarding digital evidence. According to police claims, certain call records, messages, and electronic files may have been deleted from mobile devices connected to the accused. Authorities allege that some data was removed, including content from recycle bins, making forensic reconstruction more difficult.
The investigation team has further cited inconsistencies in statements provided during questioning. Officials claim differing accounts regarding personal relationships and wedding-related plans have complicated efforts to establish a clear timeline and possible motive.
Why Investigators Are Seeking a Polygraph Test
Police argue that a polygraph examination could assist investigators in assessing the consistency of statements made during questioning.
A polygraph test measures physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing patterns while a subject answers questions. Investigators often use the examination as an investigative tool to identify areas requiring further scrutiny.
Officials maintain that the objective is not to obtain direct proof of guilt but to identify potential contradictions or undisclosed information that could lead to independently verifiable evidence.
In their court submission, investigators reportedly emphasized the importance of strengthening the evidentiary chain, particularly in a case where direct evidence remains limited.
Legal Position on Polygraph Tests in India
Under Indian law, polygraph tests cannot be conducted without the voluntary consent of the individual concerned.
Before any examination can proceed, the accused must provide consent before a Judicial Magistrate and must be informed of their legal rights, including access to legal counsel.
If Siya Goyal declines consent, authorities cannot legally compel her to undergo the test.
Legal experts note that the results of a polygraph examination are not admissible as substantive evidence in court. However, information obtained during the process may assist investigators in discovering new evidence that can later be independently verified through lawful investigative methods.
Court to Decide on Police Request
The court is expected to examine the police request in accordance with established legal safeguards governing scientific investigative techniques.
Meanwhile, Pune Police have stated that the investigation remains active and that efforts are continuing to gather additional forensic, digital, and circumstantial evidence related to Ketan Agarwal’s death.
Authorities have not announced a timeline for the completion of the investigation, and no final conclusions regarding criminal liability have been reached at this stage. The matter remains under judicial consideration.
