![\"Ketan](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131965304,imgsize-121856,width-400,height-225,resizemode-72\/in-photo-raja-raghuvanshi-with-his-wife-sonam-ketan-agarwal-with-his-fiancee-siya-goyal-disturbing-crime-cases-in-india-reveal-how-relationships-built-on-trust-can-allegedly-turn-into-deadly-betrayals.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: A friendship, a relationship, a marriage \u2014 and then, according to investigators, a murder plan. Some of India\u2019s most disturbing crime cases have raised questions about how relationships built on trust can turn into deadly betrayals.From the alleged murder of Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya to the recent killing of Pune businessman Ketan Agarwal at Lohagad Fort, police investigations have pointed towards alleged secret relationships, broken bonds and conspiracies. In these cases, investigators allege that the victims were targeted by people they knew and trusted.Ketan Agarwal murder case<\/span>On June 18, 2026, 26-year-old real estate businessman Ketan Agarwal died after falling from a cliff at Lohagad Fort near Pune, Maharashtra. What initially appeared to be a trekking accident later became a murder investigation, with police alleging a conspiracy involving his fianc\u00e9e, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover, Chetan Chaudhary. <\/p>\n Investigators claim Siya and Chetan were in a relationship and allegedly planned to eliminate Ketan rather than end the engagement.Police said multiple attempts were allegedly made before the final incident. CCTV footage, call records, witness statements and digital evidence were examined during the probe.Investigators said suspicion grew after CCTV footage showed a hooded man, later identified as Chetan, following Ketan and Siya near the fort.Both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary have been arrested and charged with murder and criminal conspiracy. The investigation is continuing.Raja Raghuvanshi murder case<\/span>On May 23, 2025, Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, from Indore, went missing with his wife Sonam during their honeymoon in Meghalaya.The case, initially treated as a missing persons investigation, turned into a murder probe after Raja\u2019s decomposed body was recovered from a gorge beneath Wei Sawdong Falls on June 2. <\/p>\n Police examined CCTV footage, mobile phone records and witness statements to trace the couple\u2019s movements.The investigation took a major turn on June 9 when Meghalaya Police arrested Sonam Raghuvanshi, alleging that she conspired with her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, to kill her husband during the honeymoon.Police have named five accused \u2014 Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, Anand, Akash and Vishal. Investigators allege that Raj coordinated the plot while others helped execute it.Other cases that shocked India<\/span>Several other cases have highlighted the darker side of relationship disputes and alleged betrayals.In Bengaluru, techie Atul Subhash died by suicide amid a bitter divorce and child custody dispute. He left behind videos and notes alleging mental and emotional harassment by his estranged wife and her family, sparking a national debate over matrimonial disputes and mental health. <\/p>\n In Delhi, Shraddha Walkar was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner, Aaftab Amin Poonawala. Police alleged that her body was dismembered and the remains were disposed of over several weeks.In Bengaluru, Harini R was found stabbed 13 times inside a hotel room. Police arrested her lover, Yashas, who allegedly admitted to the crime after attempting to injure himself. Investigators said Harini had wanted to end the relationship.In Meerut, Saurabh Rajput was allegedly murdered by his wife Muskan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla. Police said his body was dismembered and placed inside a drum filled with cement. <\/p>\n Experts explain why <\/span>relationship crimes<\/span> happen<\/span>Sachipriya Laimayum, a counselling psychologist at Tele MANAS, RIIMS Hospital, Manipur, told TOI, “Obsession, possessiveness, and fear of social stigma can play a role in such crimes. A person may become overly attached to someone, see their partner as an obstacle, or fear what others will think if the relationship ends. These feelings can affect their judgment and decision-making. However, most people who experience these feelings do not become violent and find healthy ways to deal with relationship problems.“ “A person can appear loving in public while secretly planning a crime by deliberately presenting a caring and normal image to avoid suspicion, maintain trust, and protect their reputation. Psychologically, this may involve compartmentalisation \u2014 keeping their public behaviour separate from their private intentions \u2014 along with deception, manipulation, and emotional detachment. As a result, friends, family, and even the victim may not notice any obvious signs that harmful plans are being made,” Sachipriya Laimayum added.Sachipriya further added, “Unhealthy relationships may involve hidden manipulation, dishonesty, and poor conflict resolution. They emphasize the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and seeking appropriate support when facing relationship difficulties. They also remind us that serious relationship problems should be addressed through healthy and lawful means, not harmful actions.”Deepika Mayanglambam, a wellness professional, mental health advocate, and Founder and CEO of Freedom From Mental Illness (FFMI), told TOI, “One of the most difficult realities is that warning signs are often subtle and easy to dismiss. Extreme jealousy, possessiveness, emotional dependency, an inability to accept rejection, or controlling behaviours may be mistaken for love or temporary stress. In hindsight, these patterns often reveal deeper unresolved emotional conflicts that were overlooked.“ “Perhaps the biggest lesson is that toxic relationships are not always visibly abusive. Manipulation, coercive control, emotional dependency, and possessiveness can remain hidden until a crisis occurs. As a society, we need to stop romanticising unhealthy attachment and instead encourage emotional literacy, healthy boundaries, and early psychological support. These tragedies remind us that love without respect, autonomy, and empathy can become destructive rather than nurturing,” Deepika added.Other cases, including the deaths of Puneet Khurana in Delhi, Praveen in Haryana, Mastan in Karnataka, Dilip, Balakrishna, Joginder, Rakesh and Nikki Yadav, have also involved allegations of relationship conflicts, affairs or personal disputes turning violent.<\/div>\n![\"Ketan](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131964887\/ketan-agarwal-murder-case.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Raja](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131964903\/raja-raghuvanshi-case.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Shraddha](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131964946\/shraddha-walkar-case.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Saurabh](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131964959\/saurabh-rajput-murder-case.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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