Pratul Agarwal Trial: Former OSU Staffer Bound Over
Former OSU Staffer Pratul Agarwal Bound Over for Trial in Minor Solicitation Case
Former Oklahoma State University staffer Pratul Agarwal has been bound over for trial following a preliminary hearing in a criminal case involving allegations of online solicitation of a minor. A judge determined that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed, moving the prosecution into its next stage more than a year after Agarwal's arrest in October 2025.
Agarwal, who previously served as associate vice president for research at Oklahoma State University, faces three counts of solicitation of a minor and one count of soliciting sexual contact with a minor. The allegations stem from an undercover investigation conducted by Edmond police in September 2025. The court's decision allows the charges to move forward but does not constitute a finding of guilt, and Agarwal remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Former OSU Staffer Faces Four Criminal Charges
The case centers on allegations that Agarwal communicated online with an individual he believed was a 14-year-old girl. According to investigators, the person was actually an undercover Edmond Police Department officer conducting an operation targeting suspected online solicitation of minors.
Authorities allege that Agarwal exchanged sexually explicit communications and photographs with the undercover officer and made arrangements for an in-person meeting. Investigators subsequently worked to identify the individual behind the online communications before pursuing criminal charges.
The preliminary hearing focused on whether prosecutors had established sufficient evidence to require Agarwal to stand trial. Unlike a criminal trial, a preliminary hearing does not determine whether a defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead, the judge evaluates whether the evidence supports moving the case forward.
The ruling means the prosecution can continue toward additional court proceedings, where the allegations and supporting evidence may be challenged by the defense.
Edmond Police Investigation Began With Undercover Online Operation
The allegations date to September 2025, when an Edmond police officer posing as a 14-year-old girl communicated online with a person investigators later identified as Agarwal. According to a probable cause affidavit, the conversations included requests involving sexual images and arrangements for an in-person meeting.
As detailed in KTUL's reporting on the criminal affidavit, investigators connected Agarwal to the communications through identifying information that included a shared photograph, telephone and Google account records, and vehicle registration.
The affidavit also described statements allegedly made during the conversations about previous sexual encounters with three teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16. Those statements are allegations documented by investigators and should not be treated as independently established incidents or criminal convictions.
Edmond police arrested Agarwal at his home in October 2025 following the investigation. The case subsequently proceeded through the criminal justice system, culminating in the recent preliminary hearing.
The investigation involved an undercover officer rather than an actual 14-year-old participant in the online exchanges described in the affidavit. That distinction does not prevent prosecutors from pursuing solicitation charges, but it is important when explaining the evidence underlying the case.
Oklahoma State University Ended Employment Following Arrest
At the time of his arrest, Agarwal held a leadership position within Oklahoma State University's research operations. His responsibilities were associated with university research management rather than a traditional classroom teaching appointment.
Following his arrest, Oklahoma State University ended Agarwal's employment and removed his information from its university directory. The institution also stated that it was cooperating with law enforcement as investigators examined the allegations.
The university's response was documented in NonDoc's October 2025 reporting on Agarwal's arrest and dismissal, which examined his position and the institution's actions after the allegations became public.
OSU's decision to terminate his employment was separate from the criminal proceedings. Employment actions and criminal prosecutions involve different processes, and the university's decision does not establish guilt on any of the pending charges.
With the preliminary hearing completed, the case is scheduled to advance to formal arraignment on January 6, 2027. At that proceeding, the court will address the charges as the prosecution moves toward the next phase of the case. Public court filings and scheduling information can be accessed through the Oklahoma State Courts Network's official docket search.
The judge's ruling marks a significant development in the case against the former OSU staffer, allowing prosecutors to move forward with four criminal charges while Agarwal remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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