What is gait analysis? The key test in the Ketan Agarwal murder probe

The investigation into the death of Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal has entered a crucial stage, with police planning to conduct a gait analysis of accused Chetan Chaudhary as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident at Lohagad Fort, per a report by Hindustan Times.

Ketan Agarwal, 25, died during a trek near Lonavala on June 18. The case was initially treated as an accident after his fiancée, Siya Goyal, told police that he had slipped while taking photographs near the fort. However, the investigation later turned into a murder probe, leading to the arrest of Goyal and Chaudhary.

What is gait analysis?

Gait analysis is the study of an individual's walking pattern. Investigators use it to compare movements captured in CCTV footage with a person's actual walking style, including posture, stride length and body movement.

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“In this case, police plan to compare the CCTV footage showing Chaudhary’s movements at Lohagad Fort with a recreated video,” an earlier HT report quoted an officer as telling the court.

According to police, Chaudhary was seen wearing a hoodie near the foothills of Lohagad on the day of the incident, allegedly to conceal his identity.

“We have CCTV footage showing him walking while wearing a hoodie to hide his face. The gait analysis will compare his movement in the CCTV footage with the recreated video to determine whether the walking patterns match,” the officer said.

Investigators are expected to recreate the footage by making Chaudhary wear a similar hoodie and walk through the same location.

Crime scene reconstruction and court proceedings

On Sunday, Siya Goyal was taken to Lohagad Fort where police reconstructed the alleged crime scene using a human-sized dummy. Investigators claim she signalled Chaudhary before Agarwal was allegedly pushed from the cliff.

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The case also witnessed developments in court after multiple lawyers claimed to represent Goyal. However, Goyal and her family informed the court that advocate Vipul Dushing was representing her.

Police have sought further custody of both accused, saying additional investigation is needed to identify the exact location of the alleged crime and trace Agarwal's missing passport. The court has extended their police custody until July 3.

FAQs:

What is gait analysis?

Gait analysis studies a person's walking pattern to help identify individuals from CCTV footage.

Why is gait analysis important in the Ketan Agarwal case?

Police want to compare Chetan Chaudhary’s movements with CCTV footage recorded near Lohagad Fort.