Thane, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar was shot dead in Maharashtra’s Thane on Tuesday night, prompting police to intensify their investigation into the killing. One suspect has been arrested, while another has been detained for questioning in connection with the case.
The attack took place at around 9 p.m. in the Manpada-Manorama Nagar area, near Purnekar’s office and within the jurisdiction of the Kapurbawdi police station. According to police, unidentified assailants opened fire at Purnekar, hitting him twice.
He was rushed to a hospital on Ghodbunder Road, where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
Police are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the sequence of events and identify everyone involved in the attack. Footage examined by investigators reportedly showed one of the detained suspects at the scene during the firing and allegedly linked to the conspiracy. The other suspect is accused of providing a vehicle to the two assailants who carried out the shooting.
One of the suspects has been formally arrested, while the other is being questioned. Investigators are also searching for additional people who may have been involved and reviewing footage from cameras in the surrounding areas and along nearby roads to trace the suspects’ movements.
Purnekar’s body was sent to Mumbai’s JJ Hospital on Wednesday morning for a post-mortem examination, Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Kadam said.
“After the post-mortem, a detailed report will be available,” Kadam said.
Reacting to the killing, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey expressed concern over the law-and-order situation in Maharashtra, citing incidents of violence in several cities.
“What has happened to Maharashtra? There are so many criminals, mafias, and murderers roaming freely that I cannot even tell you. Whether it is Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Mumbai, and now Thane, late last night, a senior leader of our party, Shiv Sena (UBT), was shot dead…” Dubey told IANS.
Reports indicated that the attackers were wearing helmets and masks. Police are examining footage from multiple CCTV cameras and other evidence to identify the assailants and determine how they escaped after the shooting.
Investigators are also probing a possible connection between the killing and a proposed agitation against a local builder. Purnekar had reportedly announced plans to stage a protest over alleged irregularities by the builder and had sought permission from the Kapurbawdi police for the demonstration.
However, police have not confirmed any link between the proposed protest, the builder-related dispute and the murder.
Police are investigating multiple possible motives, including political rivalry and personal enmity. The exact reason behind the attack remains under investigation.
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 leader Pradeep Purnekar was shot dead in Thane. Police have arrested one suspect and detained another as investigations continue.){kind=link}