A tragic incident at Maharashtra's historic Lohagad Fort has led visitors to informally rename a cliff face "Siya Point," following the high-profile murder case of Pune realtor Ketan Agrawal. The fort, typically known for its rich Maratha history and scenic monsoon treks, is now experiencing an unexpected surge in tourism driven by public curiosity about the crime.
Ketan Agrawal Case and the New "Siya Point"
On June 18, 26-year-old Ketan Agrawal reportedly died after being pushed from a 350-foot cliff during a trek at Lohagad Fort. Initially reported as an accidental fall, investigators later alleged it was a pre-planned murder involving his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her boyfriend, Chetan Chaudhary, to prevent Agrawal's impending marriage to Goyal.
The spot where Agrawal's death occurred has since become a focal point for visitors. According to local reports, many tourists are now specifically asking for directions to the cliff, with some having started to refer to it as "Siya Point" – a reference linked to the ongoing investigation.
Unexpected Boost in Footfall
Despite a delayed start to the monsoon season, which had previously reduced visitor numbers, Lohagad Fort has seen a noticeable increase in tourist footfall over recent days. Sachin Tekawade, president of the Lohagad-Visapur Development Forum, noted that while the fort is typically celebrated for its historical and natural beauty, many visitors are now coming primarily due to the murder case.
Normally, Lohagad Fort attracts around 10,000 visitors on weekends during monsoon and 800-1,000 on weekdays. This year, the curiosity surrounding the murder has led to a significant uptick, drawing visitors from across Maharashtra. Some tourists have even altered their travel plans to visit the fort specifically to see the location linked to the high-profile case.
History Overshadowed by Tragedy
Lohagad Fort, perched at an altitude of approximately 3,389 feet in the Sahyadri mountain range, holds immense historical significance. Dating back nearly 2,000 years to the Satavahana period, it was a crucial military and economic center under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and is part of Maharashtra's network of historic forts recognized under UNESCO's World Heritage listing of the Maratha Military Landscapes.
Historian Pandurang Balkawade highlights the fort's long and varied past, having been ruled by numerous dynasties before its strategic importance during the Maratha and Peshwa eras. However, those dedicated to preserving the fort's heritage express disappointment that its centuries-old history is currently being overshadowed by the recent murder investigation, with current conversations largely centered on the crime rather than its rich past.