Vaishnavi Hagawane, a 23-year-old woman from Pune and daughter-in-law of NCP leader Rajendra Hagawane, died under mysterious circumstances on May 17, 2025. Her body was found hanging, leading to allegations of dowry harassment and mental torture by her in-laws.
Family Alleges Dowry Demands Worth ₹2 Crore
Vaishnavi’s father, Anil Kaspate, filed a police complaint claiming that his daughter had been facing mental and physical abuse at the hands of her husband, Shashank Hagawane, and his family. The complaint mentions:
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Dowry demands of ₹2 crore
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51 tolas of gold, silver utensils, and a luxury car given at the time of marriage
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Continuous harassment despite fulfilling these demands
Anil also said that Vaishnavi was pregnant again at the time of her death and had endured the abuse without opting for divorce, hoping things would improve.
FIR Filed; Arrests and Manhunt Launched
Following a complaint by Vaishnavi’s father Anil Kaspate, police registered a case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — including Sections 80(2), 108, 115(2), 352, 351(2), and 3(5) — at Bavdhan police station.
Three people were arrested earlier — Vaishnavi’s husband Shashank Hagawane, her mother-in-law Lata, and sister-in-law Karishma. Meanwhile, father-in-law Rajendra Tukaram Hagawane and elder brother-in-law Sushil Hagawane had been on the run for several days.
After an intense manhunt, both absconding accused were finally arrested on May 23 around 4:30 AM and brought to the Bavdhan Police Station.
According to police sources, Rajendra Hagawane frequently changed vehicles and was seen moving along the Pune-Karnataka highway over the past week.
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May 17: Captured on CCTV near Aundh District Hospital, but not identified immediately
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May 19–21: Suspected to be hiding near the Karnataka border
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May 22: Returned to Pune and stayed at a lodge overnight
Three special police teams traced his movements and nabbed him using local intelligence and surveillance inputs.
However, what shocked many was Rajendra Hagawane’s lack of remorse. When reporters asked, “Do you feel guilty about your daughter-in-law’s death?”, he simply waved his hand in denial and walked away, his expression indifferent and defiant.
His cold reaction, despite the serious charges against him, has sparked public anger and media outrage across the state.
Custody of 10-Month-Old Son Handed to Grandparents
In an emotional moment, Vaishnavi’s 10-month-old son was handed over to her grieving parents, Anil and Swati Kaspate, on May 23. The child had been staying with Nilesh Chavan, a friend of Shashank, who allegedly threatened the Kaspate family with a revolver when they tried to bring the baby home.
“When I held my grandson, it felt like Vaishnavi had returned home for a moment,” said Vaishnavi’s mother, breaking down in tears.
Political Reactions and State Intervention
The case has triggered political outrage and public sympathy across Maharashtra.
Supriya Sule (NCP – Sharad Pawar faction) demanded a thorough investigation:
“Looking at the wounds on her body, it must be investigated whether she was murdered or died by suicide. Such cruelty is inhuman.”
She also urged CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar to intervene personally and ensure justice.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and CM Devendra Fadnavis reportedly instructed the Pimpri-Chinchwad police commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey to ensure swift action, including returning the child to his maternal family.
NCP leader Rupali Patil Thombare, who helped reunite the child with Vaishnavi’s parents, stated:
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about doing what is right.”
Demands for Justice Continue
The Kaspate family has thanked the authorities for reuniting them with their grandson, but continues to call for swift justice and the arrest of all those involved.
“This was not just suicide. It was murder by greed,” said Anil Kaspate.
“We want strict punishment for everyone responsible — no matter their political influence.”
The Maharashtra State Women’s Commission confirmed that the accused will not be protected and that efforts are being made to fast-track the case.
With public pressure building and senior political leaders now involved, the Vaishnavi Hagawane case is likely to become a high-profile test of how the system handles dowry crimes and violence against women in India today.
