Pune: Former Karnataka Congress Minister’s Son in Trouble Over Vaishnavi Hagawane Case?
Pune/Belgaum, 24th May 2025: In a dramatic development in the Vaishnavi Hagawane Death Case, two accused, Rajendra Hagawane and Sushil Hagawane, were on the run for seven days, during which they moved between Pune, Satara, and the Maharashtra-Karnataka border areas. Their evasion has raised concerns for those who may have aided them during this period. Notably, the father-son duo, along with two associates, stayed at the Heritage Resort near the border, with accommodation reportedly booked by the son of a former Karnataka minister, leading to fresh controversy.
Pritam Patil, the son of former Karnataka Congress minister Veer Kumar Patil, is now under scrutiny for allegedly booking rooms at the Heritage Resort for Rajendra Hagavane and two associates. According to sources, the resort booking was made under the pretense of wedding guests. Rajendra Hagawane and Sushil arrived at the resort late at night on 19th May and checked out on 21st May.
During their stay, Rajendra Hagawane and his associates reportedly left the resort during the day, returning only to sleep. Preitam Patil is said to have arranged meals for all during their stay at the resort. The former minister, Veer Kumar Patil, has distanced himself from the incident, stating that he had no prior knowledge about the accused and only facilitated the booking unaware of any wrongdoing.
The friendship between Rajendra Hagawane and Pritam Patil reportedly developed through their mutual interest in horse breeding. This connection led to Pritam arranging the resort stay for Rajendra and his associates during their period on the run. Notably, Rajendra Hagawane changed vehicles three times within a week while traveling between Pune, Satara, and the Maharashtra-Karnataka border region.
A critical question remains regarding why Rajendra Hagavane was not arrested on 17th May when he visited the hospital in Aundh district. This lapse has drawn attention to possible oversights in the ongoing investigation.
