The alleged murder of Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort has triggered an unexpected rise in tourism, with the popular hill fort in Maharashtra witnessing a significant increase in visitors after the site came into the spotlight.
According to local estimates, tourist footfall at the historic fort has increased by nearly 25% since the incident surfaced. Much of the attention is focused on a spot that visitors have informally started calling “Siya Point”, named after Siya Goyal, who, along with her boyfriend Chetan Chaudhary, has been accused of allegedly pushing Agarwal off the fort during a trip near Pune.
The location believed to be linked to the crime has become a major attraction, with tourists frequently asking security personnel, local guides and fellow trekkers to identify the exact spot. Known primarily for its panoramic views and trekking trails, Lohagad is now drawing many visitors driven by curiosity surrounding the high-profile investigation.
As part of the ongoing probe, Lonavala Rural Police temporarily closed Lohagad Fort to tourists on Tuesday. Visitors already present at the site were evacuated while investigators carried out forensic and other investigative procedures, according to ANI.
Lohagad Fort has long been one of Maharashtra’s most visited heritage sites, attracting lakhs of tourists every year. The fort typically records 4,000 to 5,000 visitors on weekends and public holidays. However, local residents claim that similar numbers are now being seen even on weekdays, with many tourists heading directly to the now-popular “Siya Point.”
The development has raised concerns among conservationists and heritage activists, who fear the fort’s historical significance is being overshadowed by the sensational nature of the crime.
Sachin Tekawade, a member of the Lohagad Visapur Vikas Manch, said it was unfortunate that a monument of immense historical value had become associated with a murder case. He also expressed concern over the growing number of memes and jokes circulating on social media, warning that they could damage the image of the centuries-old fort.
Located in the Sahyadri ranges near Lonavala in Pune district, Lohagad Fort is one of Maharashtra’s most popular trekking and heritage destinations. Believed to date back nearly 2,000 years to the Satavahana period, the fort is renowned for its strategic military architecture. Situated about 11 km from Lonavala and 60 km from Pune, it is most easily accessible via Malavli railway station, the nearest railhead to the historic site.
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