Pune: We Will Take This Case to a Fast-Track Court, No One Will Be Spared in Vaishnavi Hagawane’s Death, Says Ajit Pawar

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Wakad, 23rd May 2025: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the family of Vaishnavi Hagawane in Wakad today. Speaking to the media afterward, Pawar announced efforts to move the case to a fast-track court to ensure swift justice. He also revealed that he warned Special Inspector General Jalinder Supekar that action would be taken if any connection between him and the accused is established. Pawar further defended the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, commending their prompt action.

Vaishnavi Hagawane was found dead on 17th May after allegedly enduring two years of mental and physical torture related to dowry demands and character allegations. Her husband Shashank, brother-in-law Sushil, father-in-law Rajendra Hagawane, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law have all been arrested. The case gained political traction as Rajendra Hagawane was affiliated with the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Ajit Pawar had even attended the couple’s wedding. The case surfaced following a complaint by Vaishnavi’s father, Anil Kaspate, at the Bavdhan Police Station.

Speaking from Wakad, Pawar stated, “I instructed Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey to take strict and unbiased action. I told him to spare no one and ensure no political interference. I asked him to arrest the accused immediately. The husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law were arrested first. Today, the father-in-law and brother-in-law were also detained. I met with the Kaspate family and spoke directly with all officers handling this case.”

On the arrest of former NCP member Rajendra Hagawane and his son Sushil, Pawar noted, “Both accused had been frequently changing phones and vehicles to evade arrest, but the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police managed to apprehend them efficiently.”

Pawar emphasized the government’s commitment to legal proceedings, stating, “We will provide the best legal support to ensure the harshest punishment for the accused. This is a tragic incident. I will personally speak to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to push for a fast-track trial.”

Addressing the incident involving Nilesh Chavan, a relative of the Hagawane family who allegedly threatened Vaishnavi’s family when they went to retrieve the baby, Pawar said, “We received information that Nilesh Chavan, who had the 10-month-old baby, may have harmed the child. I have deployed police teams to search for him, and strict action orders have been issued. He holds a firearm under the Pune City Police Commissionerate, and I have asked Commissioner Amitesh Kumar to take immediate action against him.”

Commenting on the fresh allegations by Sushil Hagawane’s ex-wife Mayuri, Pawar said, “I understand she too was harassed and has divorced. Strong action will be taken in her case as well. We are building a strong case in all related matters.”

Journalists Know More Than Lawyers – Pawar

When questioned about police delays and lack of transparency, Pawar criticized the media, saying, “I urge the media not to spread misinformation. If such a case occurred in your own family, it might not have received this level of coverage. The investigation is proceeding correctly. The Kaspate family themselves told me this. If any misconduct is discovered, strict action will be taken.” Addressing public sentiment that the case should be registered as murder, Pawar responded, “Do journalists know more than lawyers? If we register a murder case without evidence, it won’t stand in court. We are handling the case based on available evidence to ensure a conviction.”

“Action Will Be Taken Against IG Supekar If…”

Finally, regarding the suspected influence of IG Jalinder Supekar, who is allegedly related to the Hagawane family, Pawar said, “I spoke to IG Supekar and made it clear that this is a sensitive matter. If any evidence of interference or pressure from his side emerges, action will be taken.”