19 hrs ago
Thane Family Seeks Justice After Shiv Sena Leader Murder
Pradeep Purnekar, a local political leader in Thane, was killed outside his party office.
Police said several shots were fired and that he was also badly beaten.
His family asked authorities to investigate the killing fully before holding his funeral.
They wanted former mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband named in the case.
Police later formed a special team with 23 members to investigate.
Five people were taken for questioning, and two vehicles were seized.
Purnekar's family said he had opposed drugs and some redevelopment projects.
Meenakshi Shinde denied the allegations and said the police should find out who was responsible.
Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief Pradeep "Balu" Purnekar was fatally shot and beaten outside his party office in Manpada, Thane.
His family delayed the final rites while demanding that former Thane Mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband, Rajendra Shinde, be named in the FIR.
Police formed a 23-member Special Investigation Team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav.
The SIT detained five people from Mira Road, seized two vehicles, and is examining call records, finances, and local rivalries.
Meenakshi Shinde denied political involvement and said she would respond after the police determine who was guilty.
- Who
- Pradeep "Balu" Purnekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief, was killed; police are questioning several suspects.
- What
- A daylight shooting and beating outside Purnekar's party office is being investigated as a murder and alleged conspiracy.
- Where
- The killing occurred outside a party office in Manpada, Thane, Maharashtra; questioning also took place in Mira Road.
- When
- The report is dated October 1, 2026; the cremation took place late Wednesday night.
- Why
- The reported investigation is examining political and local rivalries, allegations involving redevelopment and illicit drug activity, and possible criminal conspiracy.
Allegations and Demands
Denials and Police Process
Alleged political conspiracy
Allegations and Demands
Purnekar's family and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders pressed for former mayor Meenakshi Shinde and Rajendra Shinde to be named in the FIR, alleging a broader conspiracy.
Denials and Police Process
Meenakshi Shinde rejected the political framing and said she would answer after police determine who was guilty.
Reason for the killing
Allegations and Demands
Purnekar's family said he had opposed the drug menace and a proposed cluster redevelopment project, and questioned whether others ordered the attack.
Denials and Police Process
Police have not established a final motive and are examining call records, financial angles, and local rivalries.
Political response
Allegations and Demands
Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut condemned the killing, cited intimidation and security concerns, and demanded accountability.
Denials and Police Process
Authorities responded by creating the SIT, detaining people for questioning, seizing vehicles, and increasing police deployment.
Key facts
- Victim
- Pradeep "Balu" Purnekar, Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief
- Location
- Manpada, Thane, Maharashtra
- Investigation team
- A 23-member SIT led by DCP (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav
- FIR additions
- Former mayor Meenakshi Shinde and Rajendra Shinde were named under criminal-conspiracy charges
- Questioning
- Five people, including three women and two men, were detained from Mira Road
- Evidence seized
- Two vehicles allegedly used in the execution of the crime
- Reported motives under examination
- Local rivalries, redevelopment disputes, opposition to drug activity, call records, and financial links
Quotes
Uddhav Thackeray
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief who visited Purnekar's bereaved family
“He was fighting against the rising drug menace because young kids were getting ruined by addiction. We kept telling him not to fight, but he wouldn't listen to anyone. Now he has left behind his small children. To everyone, I say this: don't do anything for others anymore, do it for your own family. I don't want politics—I have paid a very heavy price for politics.”
freepressjournal.in
“Whatever you do at this juncture, do it with a calm mind. Do not take any step out of emotion. Intimidation is ongoing in Thane. How long will their high-handedness continue? Now we have to give a reply. They committed treason. We are going to stand against them. We will stand firmly behind the family of Pradeep Purnekar.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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