Maharashtra Women’s Commission Raises Alarm Over Police Delay in Mayuri Hagawane Harassment Case, Urges Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Intervene

Pune, 29th May 2025: Following the tragic death of Vaishnavi Hagawane, reports of continued harassment against the Hagavane family have surfaced, with Mayuri Hagawane filing a complaint with the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission. The Commission has now revealed the steps taken after the complaint and highlighted serious lapses in police action. The Maharashtra State Women’s Commission has notified Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the case, citing delays and procedural failures by law enforcement.

Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, wrote to Chief Minister Fadnavis, pointing out that despite clear instructions to the police, there was a significant delay in filing the chargesheet in the Mayuri Hagawane case. Mayuri’s mother had lodged a complaint with the Commission on 6th November 2024, after which the Commission directed the Paud Police to take action on 7th November 2024. A case was registered, but the subsequent process stalled.

The Commission demanded a report on the police’s inaction, noting that the chargesheet should have been filed within two months, as per procedure. However, it was not submitted to the court, raising serious concerns. The Commission has requested Chief Minister Fadnavis to initiate a Home Department inquiry into the matter.

After Mayuri Hagawane’s complaint, a case was also registered against the Hagawane family. Police attempted to bring both parties together for counseling, as informed by the Pune Rural Superintendent of Police to the Commission. The Additional Superintendent of Police, Pune Division, has now been directed to investigate why the chargesheet was not filed within the stipulated period and to submit a detailed report.