Pune: Tourists Now Visit Lohagad Fort for ‘Siya Point’ Instead of Its History, Claim Residents

Reported by Priyanshu Banerjee
Lonavala, 1st July 2026: Once celebrated for its rich Maratha history, panoramic views, and monsoon trekking trails, Lohagad Fort is now attracting a different kind of attention. Since the alleged murder of Ketan Agarwal came to light, the centuries-old fort has witnessed a surge in visitors eager to see the location linked to the sensational case rather than explore its historical significance.

According to local residents, the atmosphere at the fort has changed noticeably over the past few weeks. Instead of enquiring about the fort’s architecture, history, or trekking routes, many visitors are asking about the exact location where the alleged crime took place.

Residents told Punekar News that tourist footfall has increased significantly, with many people visiting solely to see the alleged crime scene, which some visitors have begun referring to as “Siya Point.”

“This year, the number of tourists is comparatively higher than last year. Many visitors are coming only to see where the incident happened. It is slowly overshadowing the historical identity of Lohagad,” a local resident said.

During interactions with residents, it was also learnt that police had brought the accused, Chetan Choudhary, to the fort early one morning as part of the investigation and reconstruction of the alleged crime.

According to locals, the fort remained closed during this period and was reopened to the public at around 11 a.m., nearly two hours later than its usual opening time, to facilitate the police investigation.

The case has drawn widespread public attention after police alleged that Ketan was murdered during a visit to the fort. Investigators claim that what was initially believed to be an accidental fall into a gorge later turned out to be a premeditated murder following the investigation. Police have arrested Ketan’s fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged partner, Chetan Choudhary, in connection with the case. Both remain in police custody while the investigation continues.

To preserve the integrity of the investigation, police have restricted access to the section of the fort where the alleged incident occurred. Barricades have been erected around the area, preventing visitors from entering the spot while investigators continue collecting evidence and reconstructing the sequence of events.

Despite these restrictions, the case has generated significant public curiosity, with many tourists attempting to visit the location popularly referred to by some as “Siya Point.” Local vendors say visitors from across Maharashtra and other states have been asking for directions to the alleged crime scene, with many spending more time discussing the case than exploring the fort’s historic structures.

The growing fascination has left several locals disappointed. They believe Lohagad Fort, which has stood as a symbol of Maharashtra’s rich heritage for centuries, should be remembered for its historical and cultural significance rather than for a criminal investigation.

As the police investigation continues, residents hope public attention will eventually return to the fort’s architectural, historical, and cultural importance. Until then, Lohagad Fort remains caught between its glorious past and a present dominated by one of Maharashtra’s most widely discussed murder investigations.