Pune: Women’s Commission President Rupali Chakankar Confronted by Angry Activists Demanding Justice in Vaishnavi Hagawane Suicide Case

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Wakad, 23rd May 2025: Maharashtra State Commission for Women President Rupali Chakankar, a leader from the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was confronted by angry Maratha community activists earlier today in Wakad.

After nearly a week of silence regarding the alleged suicide of Vaishnavi Hagawane, reportedly due to mental and physical abuse related to dowry and accusations on her character, Chakankar visited Vaishnavi’s grieving parents to offer condolences and assure them of justice.

However, as she exited the residence, activists including Rajendra Kondhare and Dhananjay Jadhav stopped her and demanded accountability for the delayed response. They shouted, “You failed to deliver justice in the cases of Mayuri Jagtap, Vaishnavi Kaspate, and others, admit it! Step down from your protocol!” The confrontation grew tense, prompting Chakankar to respond, “You are crossing your limits.”

Wakad Police were present on-site and intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Chakankar has faced significant criticism for her silence despite holding the post of Women’s Commission President. Many alleged that her inaction was politically motivated, citing the accused Rajendra Hagawane’s affiliation with the NCP. However, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar distanced the party from the controversy, assuring strict action and expelling Hagawane from the party. Only after this development did Chakankar visit the victim’s family.

Speaking from the victim’s home, women’s rights activist Trupti Desai, founder of the Bhumata Brigade, strongly condemned Chakankar’s delayed response. She stated, “The Women’s Commission must stand for justice, not politics. Chakankar stayed silent during the Dhananjay Munde case, and she’s quiet now too. When it involves their own party members, the Commission reacts too late. I urge Chakankar to act without bias. This could happen to our daughters too.”

If Anyone Goes Personal… Chakankar Warns

Clarifying the delayed response, Rupali Chakankar stated at a press conference, “I was on a tour of Satara, Karad, and Mahad. I couldn’t connect with the press due to network issues and continuous rains. Justice for the family was my priority after the incident. I filed a suo motu case on the very first day I learned about it. While I understand the criticisms and reactions, I urge everyone to keep them respectful. If anyone goes personal, I want to say that I could respond similarly, but that is not in my nature.”