Pune: Fresh details have emerged in the investigation into the murder of a businessman near Pune’s Lohagad Fort, with the prime accused allegedly telling investigators that she had repeatedly expressed her unwillingness to marry her fiancé but failed to convince him to call off the wedding.
According to police sources, the woman informed investigators that she was in a relationship with another man and had made her position clear before the marriage. She has allegedly claimed that despite her objections, her fiancé insisted that the wedding would go ahead and assured her that she would not be able to back out because of his family’s social and financial influence. These claims are part of the ongoing investigation and are yet to be tested in court.
The victim and the accused had become engaged earlier this year, and their families were preparing for an elaborate wedding ceremony scheduled for November. Investigators said extensive arrangements, including luxury venues and chartered flights for guests, had already been made.
Police allege that the murder was the result of a carefully planned conspiracy involving the woman and her alleged partner. According to investigators, an earlier attempt to kill the victim at the same tourist destination did not succeed after he managed to survive a fall. Officials claim the pair later returned to the location and allegedly executed a second plan that proved fatal.
Initially, the incident was treated as an accidental fall after the victim reportedly plunged into a gorge while visiting the fort. However, investigators began questioning the circumstances after inconsistencies surfaced during the inquiry. Subsequent examination of digital evidence, including call records and other communications, prompted police to register a murder case.
Investigators claim the accused couple remained in frequent contact over several months, exchanging thousands of phone calls while wedding preparations continued. Police believe the relationship between the two developed well before the alleged crime and that multiple options were discussed before the victim’s death.
The investigation has also taken a new turn, with both accused reportedly blaming each other for planning the murder. During interrogation, each has denied being the mastermind and accused the other of initiating the conspiracy. Police are examining their statements alongside forensic evidence, digital records and witness accounts.
Both accused remain in custody and face charges related to murder and criminal conspiracy. Officials said further investigation is underway to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish individual roles in the alleged crime. The final determination of guilt will depend on the evidence presented during judicial proceedings.
