Tejas Navale
Pune, May 27, 2025: In a shocking revelation, the post-mortem report of Vaishnavi Hagavane, who allegedly died by suicide, has uncovered a gruesome trail of abuse. A total of 30 injuries were found on her body, 29 of which were inflicted before her death, indicating prolonged physical torture and harassment, allegedly by her in-laws. Shockingly, 15 of these injuries occurred within 24 hours of her death, raising serious concerns over the nature of the abuse she endured.
The police submitted the forensic details to the court, prompting First Class Judicial Magistrate V.P. Khandare to extend the police custody of Vaishnavi’s father-in-law Rajendra Hagavane, mother-in-law Lata Rajendra Hagavane, and brother-in-law Sushil Hagavane till May 28.
Meanwhile, a major development has emerged in the investigation. Pritam Virkumar Patil (47), son of Congress MLA Virkumar Patil from Karnataka, along with Mohan alias Bandu Uttam Bhegde (60), Bandu Laxman Phatak (55), Amol Vijay Jadhav (35) and Rahul Dashrath Jadhav (45), have been arrested for allegedly sheltering Rajendra and Sushil Hagavane while they were absconding, informed Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad.
The main accused — Vaishnavi’s husband, Shashank Rajendra Hagavane, mother-in-law, Lata, and sister-in-law, Karishma Rajendra Hagavane — were arrested earlier on May 17 on charges of abetment to suicide. On Monday, following the expiry of their police custody, they were again produced before the court.
In a key breakthrough, the police revealed that Vaishnavi was beaten with a pipe, which has now been seized as evidence. Additionally, several items received in dowry — including an expensive car, a two-wheeler, silver utensils, and two pistols — have been confiscated. The police have also frozen the bank accounts of five accused individuals.
The investigating officer, Senior Inspector Anil Vibhute of Bavdhan Police Station, informed the court that the accused had pledged 51 tolas of gold ornaments — allegedly given as dowry — in a bank. The motive behind this move is under investigation.
Government prosecutor Nitin Adagale emphasised the need for further custodial interrogation, citing the disturbing autopsy findings. The court, concurring with the prosecution’s arguments, extended the custody of the accused till May 28.
The autopsy further revealed that out of a total, 15 wounds were found latest (within 24 hours of death), one injury occurred 4–6 days before death, 11 injuries were five to six days old, and two were three to six days old on Vaishnavi’s body.