Pune Crime: Anjali Damania Demands Cancellation Of Lawyer Vipul Dushing’s License Over ‘4 Slaps Not Harassment’ And Other Remarks In Vaishnavi Hagawane Suicide Case (WATCH VIDEO)

Activist Anjali Damania has expressed strong anger over the statements made by lawyer Vipul Dushing in court while defending the Hagawane family in the Vaishnavi Hagawane suicide case.

“I am very, very angry after hearing what the Hagawane family's lawyer, Vipul Dushing, presented in court yesterday,” Damania said.

She pointed out that the lawyer asked if being hit with a plastic stick was really assault and questioned whether slapping four times was considered harrasmnet.

“They even started defaming Vaishnavi in court,” she added.

Damania questioned whether such lawyers understand the clauses of the Domestic Violence Act. She explained that Section 3 of the Act clearly defines domestic violence as not just physical, but also mental, verbal, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. It also includes dowry harassment and threats to abuse.

“If he is trying to justify domestic violence, then his license should be cancelled,” she said.

Damania has requested the Pune Bar Association to take action and cancel Vipul Dushing’s license. “I request the Pune Bar Association with folded hands—this man’s license should be cancelled,” she said.

Here's what was said in court

For the uninitiated, on Tuesday, when, police sought an extension of custody for the accused, the defense has opposed the request, controversially casting doubt on Vaishnavi’s character.

Last week, police arrested Rajendra Hagawane, Vaishnavi's husband Shashank, mother-in-law Lata, sister-in-law Karishma, and brother-in-law Sushil. Later, five more individuals were arrested, including the son of a former Karnataka minister, for allegedly sheltering Rajendra Hagawane and Sushil while they were on the run.

According to a report by Sakal, Shashank, Lata, and Karishma Hagawane were remanded to police custody for one day, while Rajendra and another brother-in-law Sushil Hagawane were remanded for three days.

Despite postmortem findings indicating bruises and allegations of torture made by Vaishnavi’s parents, the defense argued in court that “four slaps by the husband do not amount to harassment.” They further claimed Vaishnavi had suicidal tendencies and had been chatting with another individual. According to the defense, this person was to be engaged on May 18, which might have prompted Vaishnavi to take her life on May 16.

The defense also denied dowry allegations, asserting that the Hagawane family is wealthy and owns cars worth Rs 5 crore. They questioned the direction of the investigation, claiming that the police were ignoring the “real” reason behind her suicide.

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