4 hrs ago
Protests Erupt in Thane After Shiv Sena Leader’s Murder
Pradip Purnekar, a leader from the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, was fatally shot in Thane.
After his body returned from Mumbai, his family and supporters gathered outside a police station.
They said they would not hold his final ceremonies until the people responsible were arrested.
Police arrested a man named Pappa Shinde.
Investigators said Shinde knew Purnekar and was present during the attack.
Police also said he had several previous criminal cases.
Officers are searching for other people who may be involved.
They plan to investigate whether the motive was political, personal, financial, or something else.
Family members and supporters of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradip Purnekar protested outside Kapurbawdi Police Station in Thane.
The family reportedly refused to perform Purnekar’s final rites until all suspects in the murder were arrested.
Police said Pappa Shinde, a former acquaintance of Purnekar, was arrested in connection with the case.
Authorities said Shinde was present during the attack, accompanied Purnekar to hospital, and may be part of the alleged conspiracy.
Police deployed 9 to 10 teams to locate the remaining suspects and said they would examine political, personal, and financial motives.
- Who
- Pradip Purnekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) faction division chief; his family and supporters; and suspects including arrested accused Pappa Shinde.
- What
- A protest followed Purnekar’s fatal shooting, while police investigated the murder and arrested one suspect.
- Where
- Outside Kapurbawdi Police Station in Thane; Purnekar’s autopsy was conducted at J.J. Hospital in Mumbai.
- When
- The shooting occurred on Tuesday night, and the protest was reported on September 30, 2026.
- Why
- The family and supporters demanded that all suspects be arrested before the final rites were performed.
Family and Supporters
Police Investigation
Demand for arrests
Family and Supporters
The family and supporters demanded that all suspects be apprehended before Purnekar’s final cremation rites.
Police Investigation
Police said one suspect, Pappa Shinde, had been arrested and that teams were searching for the remaining suspects.
Explanation for the killing
Family and Supporters
The protesters focused on securing arrests and did not accept the completion of final rites while suspects remained at large.
Police Investigation
Joint Commissioner Dnyaneshwar Chavan said investigators would examine political, personal, financial, and other possible motives.
Key facts
- Victim
- Pradip Purnekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) faction division chief
- Protest location
- Kapurbawdi Police Station, Thane
- Arrest
- Pappa Shinde was arrested, according to police
- Search operation
- Police deployed 9 to 10 specialised teams
- Suspects
- Police said five accused were linked to the case, with four identified
- Suspect history
- Police records cited 8 to 9 cases against Shinde since 2004 and an externment order from 2014
- Possible motives
- Political, personal, financial, or other motives are being investigated
Sources
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