The high-profile Vaishnavi Hagawane dowry death case has taken a disturbing turn, as Pune police uncover shocking criminal acts allegedly committed by individuals who helped the main accused, Rajendra Hagawane and his son Sushil, evade arrest. Among the new revelations, one aide is now accused of showing obscene videos to his wife to coerce her into a physical relationship, leading to a fresh case being registered under relevant sections of the law.
The case centers on the tragic suicide of 26-year-old Vaishnavi Hagawane, who was found dead at her in-laws’ residence in Bavdhan, Pune, on May 16. Her family alleges relentless dowry harassment, with demands including 51 tolas of gold, a luxury SUV, and an additional ₹2 crore for land purchase. The case has led to the arrest of her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law, while her father-in-law, Rajendra Hagawane (an expelled NCP leader), and his son Sushil were apprehended after a brief period on the run.
During the manhunt for Rajendra and Sushil Hagawane, at least five individuals were arrested for knowingly providing them shelter and logistical support while they evaded police. These aides, including a son of a former Karnataka minister, are now under scrutiny for their own criminal activities.
One particularly disturbing complaint has come to light: an aide allegedly forced his wife to watch obscene videos and then coerced her into a sexual relationship. This has resulted in a separate FIR, adding another layer of criminality to those associated with the Hagawane case.
Pune police, already probing the dowry death and abetment to suicide, have expanded their investigation to include these fresh allegations. The accused aide faces charges under sections related to obscenity, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. Police officials have confirmed that all those who helped the Hagawane duo, despite being aware of their involvement in a serious crime, will face strict legal consequences.
Authorities are also examining whether these aides were involved in other illegal activities or if they used their association with the Hagawane family to intimidate or exploit others.
The emergence of these new cases has sparked outrage in Pune and beyond, with activists and legal experts demanding swift and exemplary punishment for all involved, not just in the dowry death, but in the related acts of abuse and harassment.
Legal experts note that the willingness of these aides to commit or enable further crimes highlights the broader issue of impunity and the need for robust action against those who support or shelter accused individuals.