Pune: Rajendra Hagawane, ‘Prodigal’ Father-in-Law, Returns After Evading Arrest in Vaishnavi Suicide Case — How He Was Captured and Where He Went

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 23rd May 2025: In the Vaishnavi Hagawane suicide case, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have finally arrested absconding accused Rajendra Hagawane, Vaishnavi’s father-in-law, and Sushil Hagawane, her brother-in-law. With three other accused, her husband Shashank Hagawane, mother-in-law and sister-in-law, already in custody, Rajendra and Sushil had been on the run for over a week, evading arrest by hiding in remote locations and allegedly seeking help from acquaintances.

According to police sources, Vaishnavi was found dead on 17th May, and a case was registered at Bavdhan Police Station the same day. Her body was taken to the District Hospital in Aundh, where Rajendra and Sushil arrived in a Ford Endeavour. Upon seeing the body and fearing arrest, they switched vehicles to a Mahindra Thar and fled to Vadgaon Maval, later moving to a farmhouse near Pavana Dam. Concerned the police might catch up, they quickly left for a lodge in Alandi.

On 18th May, using a friend’s Maruti Suzuki Baleno, they returned to the Pavana Dam area. On 19th May, they moved to a friend’s farm in Pusegaon in Khatav Taluka of Satara district. Between 19th–21st May, they stayed at the ‘Heritage Resort’ in Koganoli, Belgaum District, and later on another friend’s farm. Finally, on 22nd May, they returned to Pune and visited Muhurta Lawns, where CCTV footage showed them having lunch.

Acting on this lead, police launched a search operation, cordoned off the area, and arrested both accused around 5:30 a.m. in Bavdhan.

Senior Police Inspector Anil Vibhute confirmed the arrest to Punekar News, stating: “The arrest was made by our team early morning in Bavdhan. We had formed 5–6 teams, monitored their movements, interrogated acquaintances, and used technical analysis. They were eventually caught in the Swargate area. Further investigation will reveal more about their journey and plans.”

One-Minute Press Conference: Police Dodge Details on Case

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2), Vishal Gaikwad, addressed a brief press conference to announce the arrests. He said, “To nab the remaining accused, six teams were formed. Acting under senior guidance, the arrests were successfully made, and the accused will be produced in court today. The investigation is ongoing. All evidence is being collected, and we will pursue a conviction through a logical legal process.”

However, he did not take any questions. The abrupt end to the conference has sparked criticism over the lack of transparency in the case.