India, May 24 -- Following the alleged dowry-related suicide of Pune resident Vaishnavi Hagawane last week, NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Friday said the party would launch a state-level campaign to make Maharashtra a dowry-free and domestic violence-free state.

"Maharashtra today is in shock due to this incident (Vaishavi Hagawane's death). Mere expressions of anger and sorrow will not suffice; a powerful and active awakening must take place," Sule told reporters in Mumbai while making the announcement. The campaign for a "dowry-free Maharashtra and violence-free families" would be launched from Pune on June 22 and continue through the year in phases, she said.

June 22 is a significant day for women's rights in Maharashtra...