Tourist footfall at the historic hill fort reportedly risen by around 25 per cent since the incident came to light.
The murder of Ketan Agarwal has sparked an unexpected trend in Maharashtra, with Lohagad Fort witnessing a noticeable surge in visitors after it emerged as the alleged crime scene in the high-profile case.Tourist footfall at the historic hill fort reportedly risen by around 25 per cent since the incident came to light. Much of the attention is centred on a spot that visitors have informally begun referring to as “Siya Point”, 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 alleged murder site has become the focal point for many tourists. Visitors are reportedly asking security personnel, guides and fellow trekkers to identify the exact location linked to the case. What was once known primarily for its scenic views and trekking trails has, in recent weeks, drawn crowds driven by curiosity surrounding the investigation.Meanwhile, Lonavala rural police closed Lohagad Fort to visitors as part of the ongoing investigation into the Ketan Agarwal murder case on Tuesday. Tourists present at the fort were evacuated while police conducted investigative procedures linked to the case, according to news agency ANI.Lohagad Fort has traditionally been among Maharashtra’s busiest heritage attractions, welcoming lakhs of visitors annually. Weekend and holiday footfall generally ranges between 4,000 and 5,000 people a day. However, local residents claim similar numbers are now being recorded even on weekdays, with many tourists making a beeline for the now widely discussed “Siya Point”.The sudden popularity of the location has also sparked concern among conservationists and heritage enthusiasts.Sachin Tekawade of the Lohagad Visapur Vikas Manch said it was unfortunate that a monument of such historical importance had become synonymous with a murder investigation. Describing the incident as deeply disturbing, he expressed concern that the growing number of memes and jokes circulating on social media could further tarnish the image of the centuries-old fort.Situated in the Sahyadri mountain range near Lonavala in Pune district, Lohagad Fort is one of Maharashtra’s best-known trekking and heritage destinations. Its name, meaning “Iron Fort”, reflects its strong defensive architecture. Historians believe the fort’s origins date back nearly 2,000 years to the Satavahana period.The fort is located in Maharashtra’s Maval region, around 11 kilometres from Lonavala and roughly 60 kilometres from Pune. Malavli railway station serves as the nearest railhead and is the primary access point for visitors travelling to the fort.
