Pune: Her Two Earlier Arranged Marriages Fell Apart Because of Hagawane Family, Says Vaishnavi’s Father

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Wakad, 29th May 2025: Things are getting murkier in the death case of Vaishnavi Hagawane. Responding to every claim made by the Hagawane family’s lawyer, Vaishnavi’s father broke down in front of the media, tearfully pleading with folded hands not to malign his daughter’s name. He also made several revelations, including that two of Vaishnavi’s arranged marriages were called off because of interference from the Hagawane family. However, they decided it was best not to comment on the claim regarding the sale of Vaishnavi’s assets by them and Hagawane’s granting of the NOC, stating that it was a “sensitive legal matter.”

On the previous day, following a court appearance, the Hagawane family’s lawyer made several controversial statements, casting doubt on the entire case. Responding to these allegations, Vaishnavi’s father Anand Kaspate and her uncle Mohan Kaspate held a press conference at their residence in Wakad.

Speaking to the media, Anand Kaspate said, “Everything the Hagawane family’s lawyer said is false. They are trying to divert the case and hide the crime. We were never shown the messages they are referring to. As for the claim that I took her mobile, why would I take back a phone I had gifted myself? In fact, I even gave a phone to my son-in-law, Shashank. I have receipts to prove this.”

Refuting another claim made by the Hagawane family’s lawyer, Advocate Vipul Dushing, who had said they never demanded a car in dowry as they already possessed cars worth ₹5 crore, Kaspate responded, “They say they didn’t demand a car, but I had initially booked an MG Hector at the time of the wedding. Later, after much argument, they insisted on a Toyota Fortuner. They don’t own cars worth ₹5 crore, only one car, the one I gave them. The other vehicle they claim ownership of doesn’t even belong to them. They didn’t have a car before the marriage.”

The Hagawane family’s lawyer also stated that the assets and property in Vaishnavi’s name were sold by the Kaspate family. She was dropped off at her residence by the Hagawane family to sign the NOC. When asked about this, they replied, “We don’t want to talk about that. This is a sensitive legal matter. We will respond to it in court.”

Speaking on why he agreed to dowry demands, he said, “They kept threatening to call off the wedding. Two of my daughter’s earlier arranged marriages had already fallen through, both due to interference from the Hagawane family. They had mentally pressured us to such an extent that we gave in to all their demands. The reasons behind the previous broken alliances will also come out in court in the coming days.”

On the shocking claim by the Hagawane lawyer that “four slaps” from Vaishnavi’s husband didn’t amount to harassment, Kaspate said, “That statement is laughable and unacceptable. Let society judge it. Let the media highlight it. Let the court decide.”

Detailing the abuse Vaishnavi allegedly endured, he said, “She was beaten continuously for 5-6 days before her death, as mentioned in police reports. When she came home on 10th May, she told her mother she was being physically abused. But the very next day, they called her back on some pretext, and she returned.”

He also accused Inspector General Jalindar Supekar, whom the Hagawane family reportedly claimed as a relative, of being misused for pressure. “From wedding preparations to financial demands of ₹2 crore, they repeatedly took his name to intimidate us, saying they could do anything with his support,” said Kaspate.

Making an even more startling claim, Vaishnavi’s uncle, Mohan Kaspate, said, “About four months ago, the Hagawane family demanded ₹2 crore from us. We told them we didn’t have the money. After that, they approached a builder who was a business associate of ours. This matter is also part of the court proceedings.”

And the Father Burst Into Tears…
Responding to the lawyer’s claim that Vaishnavi had suicidal tendencies, Anand Kaspate said, “Whether she had any such tendencies or not, they will now make up anything to smear her name.” Breaking down in tears, he added, “I want to say something to the lawyer—you may also have children. My daughter is gone now. Please don’t defame her like this. Even you may have children. Don’t speak ill of my daughter after her death.”

“Nilesh Chavan Also Involved in Harassment”
On the involvement of Nilesh Chavan—whom the Hagawane family’s lawyer claimed to be innocent—Anand Kaspate said, “How did the child end up with Nilesh Chavan? At the time of Vaishnavi’s death, the child was with her. According to us, both the family and Nilesh Chavan were at home. He is also involved. After the funeral, my brother and some others went to get the child back from him. They were threatened at gunpoint. Jayprakash Hagawane, Rajendra Hagawane’s brother, was with us. Eventually, an unknown person handed the child over, claiming he didn’t even know Jayprakash. If Nilesh didn’t know the family, why was the child with him?”