States » WestPosted at: Sep 30 2026 1:55PM


Thane Sena UBT leader Pradeep Purnekar shot dead, family alleges threats, conspiracy

Mumbai, Sep 30 (UNI) Police have intensified their investigation into the killing of Shiv Sena UBT leader Pradeep alias Bala Purnekar, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Thane late Tuesday night.
The Crime Branch and Kapurbawdi police are questioning several people, examining CCTV footage and analysing call records as they work to identify the attackers and establish the motive.
The killing triggered protests on Ghodbunder Road, where supporters demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. Purnekar's family, meanwhile, alleged that he had received threats before the attack and accused specific individuals of being involved in a conspiracy. Police have not publicly established these allegations.
Purnekar, who served as a Vibhag Pramukh of Shiv Sena UBT, was attacked in the Manorama Nagar-Ganesh Nagar area of Thane city, under the jurisdiction of Kapurbawdi police station. According to police, the assailants fired two rounds at him before fleeing the scene.
Purnekar sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Infinity Hospital near R Mall, where he died during treatment. Senior police officers reached the spot after the incident, and multiple teams were deployed to trace the attackers.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area, analysing Purnekar's call data records and questioning witnesses and other persons in connection with the case. The motive for the killing has not yet been established.
Following his death, angry supporters gathered outside the hospital and later staged a road blockade on Ghodbunder Road. Protesters sat on the road and demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, raising slogans seeking justice for Purnekar and chanting, "Ek Hi Dada, Pradeep Dada." The demonstration temporarily disrupted traffic and led to congestion on the busy road.
Purnekar's son, Ram Pradeep Purnekar, alleged that Meenakshi Shinde and Rajendra Shinde had threatened to kill his father. He said he would remain at the protest site until justice is delivered.
Ram Purnekar also claimed that his father used to refer to Papya Shinde as "Kaka" and said Papya had been arrested. He further alleged that Rajendra Shinde had convened a meeting and is allegedly responsible for orchestrating the incident. These claims have been made by the family and have not been independently established by police, according to the information available.
Purnekar's elder brother and former corporator Jaynath Purnekar alleged that developments preceding the killing had been taking place since Ganeshotsav and claimed that the accused had conducted reconnaissance. He also referred to an earlier warning against trusting a person identified as Balu.
Jaynath Purnekar further alleged that he had previously helped Rajendra Shinde's political rise and claimed that his support had contributed to a woman becoming mayor. He said he would appeal to "Shinde Saheb" and convey his concerns over the developments.He also demanded a detailed investigation into the killing, comparing it to the probe into the cluster matter. Jaynath Purnekar said police had informed the family that three people had been arrested and identified Talli and Papya Shinde among those arrested. The arrest details and the exact roles of those detained will have to be established through the police investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
Purnekar had been active in local politics in the Ghodbunder Manpada area. He was booked in a police case in September 2025 for allegedly vandalising television sets at hotels in Thane.
Heavy police security has been deployed in the area following the killing and subsequent protest. Police are continuing their investigation to identify the assailants, establish the motive and determine the circumstances and possible conspiracy behind the murder.
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Tags: #Thane Sena UBT leader Pradeep Purnekar shot dead# family alleges threats# conspiracy
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