After nine days on the run, Nilesh Chavan—a close associate of ex-NCP leader Rajendra Hagawane—was apprehended near the Indo-Nepal border.
Chavan was wanted for allegedly brandishing a firearm at Vaishnavi Hagawane’s parents and others when they went to his Pimpri-Chinchwad residence to reclaim her 9-month-old child.
Acting on a credible tip, a combined force comprising Crime Branch Unit 4, the Anti-Gunda Squad, and the cyber cell of Pimpri-Chinchwad police zeroed in on Chavan’s whereabouts. He was ultimately arrested at a private lodge in Sonauli, Uttar Pradesh, early Friday morning.
Currently, he is being transported back to Pune on transit remand, with an expected arrival at around 2:30 AM on Saturday.
Tracing Chavan’s Flight Path
Police investigations revealed that Chavan covered considerable ground while evading capture. Starting from Pimpri-Chinchwad, he journeyed to Raigad, then to Delhi, followed by Gorakhpur. From there, he crossed into Nepal via the Bhairahawa checkpoint, eventually reaching Kathmandu. “He was nabbed from a private lodge when he returned to Sonauli,” confirmed a senior police officer.
Authorities say Chavan intended to slip away once more but was intercepted before he could cross back into Nepal.
“He Will Be Produced in Court on Saturday”
On Friday afternoon, Vishal Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2), Pimpri-Chinchwad, stated:
“He will be produced in the court on Saturday.”
Once Chavan arrives in Pune, he will face charges originally filed at the Bavdhan Police Station. According to Sandeep Doiphode, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Chavan “will be arrested in the case registered at Bavdhan police once he arrives in Pune.”
Role In The Vaishnavi Hagawane Case
The backdrop to Chavan’s arrest is the tragic death of Vaishnavi Hagawane, who allegedly took her own life on May 16 at her in-laws’ home in Bavdhan, Pune. Her family accused the Hagawane household of dowry harassment.
Following Vaishnavi’s demise, key family members—including her husband Shashank, father-in-law Rajendra, mother-in-law Lata, sister-in-law Karishma, and brother-in-law Sushil—were detained. In light of nationwide outrage, Rajendra Hagawane was also expelled from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
At the time of her death, Vaishnavi’s infant was under Chavan’s care. When her parents and other relatives arrived at his home to reclaim the child, Chavan allegedly threatened them with a weapon.
A case was lodged against him at Warje Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—including Sections 80(2), 108, 118(1), 115(2), 352, 351(2), and 3(5)—and Sections 75 and 87 of the Juvenile Justice Act. These charges cover criminal intimidation, recklessly handling a firearm, and failing to provide proper custodial care for the child.
“He Was Planning to Escape”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Vishal Hire added:
“He was on the run since. We have now held Chavan from the Nepal border. He was planning to escape. He is being brought back to Pune.”
With Chavan back in custody, investigators will proceed with further custodial interrogation, focusing both on the attempted firearm intimidation and the broader dowry harassment-suicide case.
Next Steps
As Chavan awaits his first court appearance in Pune, the Bavdhan Police will formally book him on outstanding charges. Meanwhile, the investigation into Vaishnavi’s alleged dowry torture continues, with law enforcement gathering evidence and witness testimonies against other accused family members.
Through coordinated efforts spanning multiple jurisdictions—Pimpri-Chinchwad, Warje, Bavdhan, and cross-border coordination with Nepal—police eventually closed in on Chavan. His arrest marks another crucial development in a case that has drawn significant media and public attention for its tragic consequences and high-profile political connections.
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