A NCP leader from Pune, Rajendra Hagawane, found himself in hot water as a case of alleged dowry death involving his daughter-in-law, Vaishnavi Shashank Hagawane, came to light on May 21, 2025. Vaishnavi’s family accused their in-laws of harassing and torturing her over dowry demands, leading to her mysterious death. NCP leader Supriya Sule, from the Sharadchandra Pawar faction, raised concerns about the incident, questioning the alleged suicide and pledging to seek justice for the deceased victim. Ms. Sule condemned the assault and urged for a judicial inquiry into the matter, emphasizing the need for the State government to take decisive action to protect women’s rights and safety.
The tragic event unfolded on May 16 in Bhukum, Mulshi tehsil, Pune district, where Vaishnavi Hagawane breathed her last. The Bavdhan police station stepped in and registered a dowry harassment case against her in-laws as her family disclosed the mental and physical torture she endured. Ms. Sule expressed disbelief over the circumstances surrounding Vaishnavi’s death, especially considering she was a mother to an eight-month-old child. The NCP leader highlighted the inhumanity of the situation, pointing out the suspicious absence of the men from the Hagawane household. Ms. Sule emphasized her personal connection to the family and questioned the prevalence of such atrocities in an educated society like Maharashtra. Additionally, she mentioned that two daughters-in-law from the Hagawane family had filed a domestic violence case, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) took note of the alleged dowry harassment and Vaishnavi Hagawane’s untimely demise on May 19. The NCW reached out to the Director General of Police in Maharashtra, urging a prompt and impartial investigation into the matter. They demanded a detailed report on the actions taken by the Maharashtra Police within three days to shed light on the circumstances leading to Vaishnavi’s tragic end. In times of distress or feelings of hopelessness, individuals are encouraged to seek help and counseling by reaching out to the provided helpline numbers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address issues of dowry harassment and violence against women, calling for immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
