Pune: Missing Infant of Vaishnavi Hagawane Safely Returned to Maternal Grandparents After Being Handed Over to Pimpri-Chinchwad Police by Relative

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri-Chinchwad, 22nd May 2025: Vaishnavi and Shashank Hagawane’s child, who had been missing since Vaishnavi’s death by suicide, has now been mysteriously returned to her father, Anand Kaspate. Vaishnavi had reportedly faced mental and physical torture for nearly two years at the hands of her husband and his family, who harassed her over dowry and questioned her character, claiming the child was not theirs.

The child had been missing for almost a week following Vaishnavi’s death, which was prima facie due to suicide by hanging. However, the child has now been safely returned to her maternal grandfather.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Vishal Gaikwad told Punekar News that the child was in the custody of a family friend named Chavan. Upon learning about the incident, Chavan submitted the child to the Mhalunge Police Chowky under Bavdhan Police Station. “The child is safe. We have returned her to Vaishnavi’s parents, the child’s maternal grandparents,” Gaikwad said.

Earlier, the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated, “The custody of Vaishnavi Hagawane’s child will be handed over to Vaishnavi’s parents today. While three accused from the Hagawane family were arrested and two were absconding, Vaishnavi’s 10-month-old child was with Rajendra Hagawane’s maternal brother. After completing all legal procedures, custody of the child will be handed over to Vaishnavi’s parents.”

Reports state that the child was with Nilesh Chavan, a maternal cousin of Shashank Hagawane. After the arrests of Vaishnavi’s husband Shashank, her mother-in-law, and sister-in-law, the child was handed over to Chavan, who was reportedly unaware of the full extent of the situation. Upon learning the details, he handed the child over to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, and the child was then safely returned to Vaishnavi’s family.

Accused Remanded to Police Custody Till May 26

DCP Vishal Gaikwad further confirmed to Punekar News that the three arrested accused — Vaishnavi’s husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law — have been remanded to police custody until May 26. Meanwhile, a search is ongoing for Rajendra Hagawane, Vaishnavi’s father-in-law, and Sushil Hagawane, her brother-in-law. Questions have been raised about alleged political pressure on the police, possibly delaying the arrest of Rajendra Hagawane due to his political connections.