Domestic Violence Suspected In Death of Vaishnavi Hagawane; National Women’s Commission Orders Swift Action
Pune, 21st May 2025: The mysterious and disturbing death of 24-year-old Vaishnavi Hagawane in Bhukum village, Mulshi taluka, has caused a wave of shock and outrage across Maharashtra and has now drawn national attention. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken serious cognizance of the incident, directing the police to conduct an impartial and urgent investigation. The commission has also instructed authorities to arrest the accused immediately if found guilty.
Commission chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has ordered the Director General of Police to submit a detailed report within three days. The investigation is currently underway, and a recently released post-mortem report revealed that Vaishnavi died due to strangulation. Additionally, her body bore multiple signs of physical assault, and authorities are also examining whether poisoning played a role in her death.
The Bavdhan Police are leading a thorough investigation. The case has gained political sensitivity due to the involvement of Rajendra Hagawane, a leader from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Ajit Pawar Faction). Vaishnavi’s death has reignited serious discussions around domestic violence and women’s safety.
Vaishnavi Hagawane was the daughter-in-law of Rajendra Haghwane. On 16th May 2025, her body was discovered at her home in Bhukum. Her father filed a complaint with Bavdhan Police, accusing her in-laws of severe mental and physical harassment. As a result, police have registered a case of abetment to murder against her husband Shashank Hagawane, father-in-law Rajendra Hagawane, mother-in-law Lata Hagawane, sister-in-law Karishma Hagawane, and brother-in-law Sushil Hagawane. Shashank and Rajendra are currently absconding, and police are actively searching for them.
Vaishnavi and Shashank had a love marriage in 2023, celebrated with grandeur and public attention. The wedding included a lavish dowry comprising 51 tolas of gold and a car. However, her family alleges that the abuse began as early as the second day of marriage, with derogatory remarks over silverware, character assassination, and sustained physical and emotional abuse.
According to available information, Vaishnavi was subjected to both mental and physical abuse. Her father has accused her in-laws of domestic violence, mental torture, and sustained harassment. It is reported that during her pregnancy, she was thrown out of the house and even attempted suicide by ingesting poison, though she survived.
The Bavdhan Police are currently investigating the case, and a report will be submitted to the NCW within three days.
