Ujjwal Nikam Appointed Special Public Prosecutor in Ketan Agarwal Murder Case

Pune, 19th October 2026: Senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam has been appointed as the special public prosecutor in the Ketan Agarwal murder case, which has attracted nationwide attention. Agarwal’s father, Vishal Agarwal, had requested Nikam’s appointment.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the request and directed the Secretary of the Law and Judiciary Department to take the necessary steps to formalise the appointment.

Businessman Ketan Agarwal was allegedly murdered on June 18, 2026, after being pushed into a gorge near Hatti Talav at Lohagad Fort, according to the case allegations.

Pune Rural Police have completed the investigation and filed a 5,053-page chargesheet before the Wadgaon Maval court. The chargesheet names three accused: Siya Praveen Goyal, Chetan Babulal Chaudhary and Ritesh Sanjay Hange.

Siya Goyal’s Lawyer Questions Nikam’s Appointment
Advocate Nitin Bhalerao, who represents accused Siya Goyal, has criticised the appointment of Ujjwal Nikam as special public prosecutor, questioning the alleged political association and the circumstances surrounding the decision.

“The appointment of Ujjwal Nikam in the Siya Goyal case has been made in a highly improper manner. Ujjwal Nikam is a BJP MP, and his son is a BJP spokesperson. The complainant requested the Chief Minister to appoint him. The law should be equal for everyone. Appointing a political figure as a government prosecutor is inappropriate, as he has a different agenda,” Bhalerao said.

His remarks reflect the defence lawyer’s objections to the appointment. The allegations and arguments in the case will be subject to consideration by the court.
With the chargesheet filed, the case is expected to proceed through the next stages of the judicial process, including consideration of charges and, subject to the court’s proceedings, the commencement of the trial.

Nikam’s appointment comes as the case moves towards trial, with the prosecution set to present its evidence and arguments before the court.