Pune: “Anand Dighe Wouldn’t Have Spared Those Evils, You Shouldn’t Either,” Kaspate Family Pleads with Eknath Shinde for Justice in Vaishnavi Hagawane Death
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Wakad, 24th May 2025: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the family of Vaishnavi Hagawane in Wakad today. During the meeting, the grieving Kaspate family urged Shinde to ensure strict action against the accused, saying that his mentor, the late Anand Dighe, would not have spared them.
Vaishnavi Hagawane was found dead on 16th May after allegedly enduring two years of mental and physical abuse from her husband and in-laws over dowry demands and character assassination, despite a substantial dowry already being paid. All five members of the Hagawane family were arrested by Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, but concerns persist about their influential political and police connections helping them evade justice.
Many have expressed solidarity with the Kaspate family, Vaishnavi’s parents, who filed the complaint that brought the case to light. As Shinde was leaving the residence, the family folded their hands and pleaded for justice.
One female family member said, “Eknath Shinde, please give justice to our daughters. She was tortured beyond measure. Dharmaveer Anand Dighe would have ensured justice, we expect the same from you. Those vile people must not be spared.”
Who was Anand Dighe?
Late Anand Dighe (27 January 1951 – 26 August 2001), popularly known as Dharmaveer, was a revered Shiv Sena leader from Thane and a mentor to Eknath Shinde. As one of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s most trusted lieutenants, Dighe was known for his vigilante-style justice.
Unmarried and deeply committed to social causes, he held Janata Darbars at his Tembhi Naka residence, personally addressing public grievances and delivering swift justice where authorities often failed. Many women considered him a protective brother due to the justice he delivered.
His legacy has been revived through the popular films Dharmaveer and Dharmaveer 2, starring Prasad Oak.
