Special Correspondent
Pune: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has assured the family of Vaishnavi Hagavane that the state is committed to ensuring justice in her death case. Pawar stated that efforts are being made to transfer the case to a fast-track court to expedite the judicial process.
Vaishnavi Shashank Hagavane (age 23), daughter-in-law of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Rajendra Hagavane, allegedly died by suicide on May 16 due to persistent harassment from her in-laws, triggering a state-wide uproar. The prime accused in the case — Rajendra Hagavane and his son Sushil Hagavane — who had been absconding for the past seven days, were arrested today.
Ajit Pawar, who also serves as the Guardian Minister of Pune, visited Vaishnavi’s family today. Speaking to the media afterward, he said, “We want this case to be taken up in a fast-track court. I will personally discuss this matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during our joint flight to Delhi tomorrow. We will be together for nearly two hours, and I will strongly request him to take this step.”
Pawar further assured that a competent public prosecutor will be appointed to ensure the case is pursued effectively. “We have received some suggestions from the Kasapte family regarding the appointment. We will make sure that the public prosecutor works independently, without any political pressure,” he said.
Reflecting on his earlier intervention, Pawar noted, “Immediately after the incident, I spoke with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner and instructed them not to spare anyone responsible, regardless of political influence. The police responded promptly by arresting Vaishnavi’s mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and husband. Her father-in-law and brother-in-law, who were on the run, have now also been arrested.”
He also revealed that he had spoken with Vaishnavi’s father, Anil Kasapte, on the phone the previous day and promised to meet the family in person. “I told him to speak to me openly and share anything he feels is important,” said Pawar.
In a new development, another individual named Chavan has been identified in the case. Pawar disclosed that evidence regarding the mishandling of Vaishnavi’s infant child by this person has surfaced, and a complaint has been filed. “If he is not found today, the Commissioner of Police will take further action,” Pawar concluded.
