India, May 24 -- A week after the alleged suicide of ex-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rajendra Hagawane's daughter-in-law Vaishnavi, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Friday visited the residence of the victim's family in Wakad.

The 26-year-old's death has sparked widespread public outrage, due to allegations of physical and mental harassment over dowry demands.

Speaking to the media after the visit, Pawar said, "This is a serious incident, and there is no political interference in the case. Five people have been arrested, and they will face the strictest punishment."

"Earlier, our party workers had visited the family, and through them, I spoke with Vaishnavi's father. I assured him that I would personally visit...