A screenshot of a Snapchat conversation posted by an unnamed user has gone viral after it appears to show 22‑year‑old Siya Goyal asking a friend for Aadhaar details to obtain “wedding tickets” that do not exist. The image surfaced online on Monday, just days after Goyal and her boyfriend, Chetan Chaudhary, were remanded to judicial custody in connection with the murder of Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal.
Police say Goyal and Chaudhary are accused of pushing Agarwal, who was Goyal’s fiancé, off a cliff near Pune on March 23, 2024. Both were arrested on March 26 and later ordered to remain in judicial custody while the investigation proceeds. The Snapchat exchange, which mentions “wedding tickets” and requests Aadhaar numbers, has been cited by social‑media users as evidence of a planned celebration that never occurred.
The Pune police have not confirmed the authenticity of the screenshot. In a statement to the media, a senior officer said investigators are “examining coded chats and a second‑hand source” related to the case, but did not comment on the viral post specifically. The police continue to verify digital evidence, including messages exchanged on various platforms, as part of a broader inquiry into the alleged murder.
Legal experts note that, while the screenshot could be admissible if authenticated, it does not by itself prove a motive or conspiracy. “Social‑media posts can be manipulated, and any evidence must be corroborated with forensic analysis,” said a criminal‑law specialist who declined to be named. The court has not yet heard arguments on the relevance of the Snapchat content.
The viral post has reignited public interest in the case, which has already attracted extensive media coverage due to the alleged involvement of a young couple in a violent crime. Critics of the investigation have called for transparency in how digital evidence is handled, especially given the sensitive nature of Aadhaar data, which is linked to a person’s identity and financial information.
Analysis:
The timing of the Snapchat screenshot—emerging just after the couple’s custody hearing—suggests it may be part of a coordinated effort to shape public perception. If authentic, the request for Aadhaar details could indicate an intent to procure official documents for a fabricated wedding, potentially implicating the accused in a broader scheme beyond the murder charge. However, without forensic verification, the image remains unsubstantiated. Authorities’ focus on “coded chats” hints that investigators are looking for hidden meanings or plans in the suspects’ communications, a common practice in cyber‑forensic examinations.
The case also underscores concerns about the misuse of Aadhaar information. Indian law treats unauthorized collection of Aadhaar data as a serious offense, and any attempt to use it for fraudulent purposes could attract separate legal consequences. As the investigation proceeds, the court will likely evaluate the admissibility of digital evidence, balancing the need for thorough scrutiny against privacy safeguards.
The viral nature of the post illustrates how social media can amplify unverified material, potentially influencing public opinion before formal judicial findings. Observers stress the importance of relying on official statements and court proceedings rather than speculative online content.
Sources
Times of India, “‘Wedding that would never happen’: Siya Goyal’s ‘Snapchat message’ to friend goes viral,” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/wedding-that-would-never-happen-siya-goyals-snapchat-message-to-friend-goes-viral/articleshow/132176557.cms
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
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