Pune: Criminal Background Of Nilesh Chavan Revealed in Vaishnavi Hagawane Death Case; Vaishnavi’s Family Threatened At Gunpoint While Seeking Custody Of Her Infant

Pune, 23rd May 2025: In a disturbing development in the Vaishnavi Hagawane case, Nilesh Chavan—already known to police for a criminal background and Hagawane’s relative—has come under renewed scrutiny. Chavan, who was previously booked in multiple cases including domestic violence and illegal surveillance, is now being linked to further alarming incidents.

Reportedly, in the tragic Vaishnavi Hagawane case, Chavan is accused of intimidating Vaishnavi’s family at gunpoint when they attempted to reclaim her nine-month-old baby, whom he had allegedly taken into custody. According to the police report, Hagawane told Chavan to hold the baby hostage. This led to a new FIR filed under the Arms Act at the Warje Police Station.

Chavan’s abusive behavior reportedly extended beyond surveillance. According to police records, a 2019 case filed at Warje Police Station revealed that Chavan had installed spy cameras in his own bedroom and recorded objectionable videos of his wife without her consent. This included explicit footage of their private moments. The shocking discovery came to light when his wife found the videos on his laptop, which also contained clips involving other women.

After being confronted by his wife, he allegedly threatened her with a knife, strangled her, and forced himself on her. Despite informing his parents and other family members, instead of support, she faced further harassment from them. The mental and physical abuse continued until she decided to leave the house. A formal complaint led to an FIR against Chavan and several of his relatives on 14th June 2022.

DCP Sambhaji Kadam confirmed that Chavan has a criminal track record, including a drink-and-drive case in Hinjawadi and a non-cognizable offence dating back to 2009. Additionally, his wife had earlier lodged a complaint against him for recording her using hidden cameras.

Despite the Pune Sessions Court rejecting his anticipatory bail plea, Warje police did not arrest Chavan. He was later granted anticipatory bail by the Bombay High Court, allowing him to remain free.

Chavan, a construction businessman, also rents out heavy machinery like pokelain excavators. He is closely associated with Karishma Hagawane, Vaishnavi’s sister-in-law, and was reportedly involved in several domestic disputes between Vaishnavi and her husband Shashank. His family owns three flats in Audumbar Park Society in the Karvenagar area of Pune.