Pune Crime: Vaishnavi Hagawane Suicide Case | Defence Questions Dowry Allegations, Casts Doubt on Victim’s Character
Vaishnavi Hagawane Case: Shashank And Lata Hagawane Arrested In Separate JCB Fraud Case
PUNE: In the ongoing investigation into the suicide of 23-year-old Vaishnavi Hagawane, the defence counsel has sparked controversy by claiming in court that “four slaps by the husband do not amount to harassment.” The statement came as police sought an extension of custody for the accused, while the defence opposed the request, making claims about Vaishnavi’s mental health and personal life.
The case involves the family of expelled NCP leader Rajendra Hagawane. Vaishnavi, his daughter-in-law, died by suicide at her marital home in Bavdhan, Pimpri-Chinchwad, on May 16. Her family has alleged that she was subjected to physical and mental harassment over dowry demands, including pressure to provide Rs 2 crore for a land purchase.
Accused Remanded to Custody
As per a Sakal report, Rajendra Hagawane and his brother Sushil were remanded to police custody for three days, while Vaishnavi’s husband Shashank, mother-in-law Lata, and sister-in-law Karishma were remanded for one day. The police are continuing their investigation and have arrested five more individuals, including the son of a former Karnataka minister, for allegedly providing shelter to Rajendra and Sushil while they were absconding.
Controversial Defence Argument
The defence claimed in court that Vaishnavi had suicidal tendencies and was allegedly chatting with another man with whom she was reportedly to be engaged on May 18 — two days after her death. They argued this may have contributed to her decision to take her life.
They also denied all dowry allegations, stating that the Hagawane family is financially well-off and owns cars worth over Rs 5 crore. The defence accused the police of ignoring what they referred to as the “real” reason behind Vaishnavi’s suicide.
Family Alleges Dowry Harassment
Vaishnavi’s parents have refuted the defence’s claims and maintained that their daughter was harassed for dowry. They revealed that at the time of the wedding, the Hagawane family was gifted 51 tolas (595 grams) of gold, silver items, and an SUV. They allege that the demands continued even after the lavish wedding, which took place in 2023 at a luxury resort in Pune and was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The postmortem report indicated the presence of bruises on Vaishnavi’s body, supporting the family’s claims of abuse.
Investigation Ongoing
With public scrutiny intensifying, the police have not ruled out further arrests. The case has reignited conversations around domestic violence, dowry-related abuse, and the treatment of women in marital households.
