Thane Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar shot dead; Sanjay Raut alleges political rivalry

Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief Pradeep Purnekar was shot dead in Thane’s Manorama Nagar, with party MP Sanjay Raut alleging that the killing was linked to Purnekar’s political opposition to the Shinde faction and his alleged campaign against builder interests and a drug network in the area.

Purnekar was attacked on Tuesday night and suffered multiple injuries. He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead. Police have detained two suspects and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing, including the possibility of political rivalry and personal enmity.

Raut, in a post on X, accused the state Home Department of failing to maintain law and order and alleged that Thane had become a “haven for criminals and drug mafias”. He directly criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the killing.

Raut claimed that Purnekar had been involved in a political conflict with Meenakshi Shinde of the Shiv Sena and had been consistently raising his voice against what he described as a builder lobby and drug network operating in Manorama Nagar.

“Pradeep Purnekar has paid the price with his life,” Raut said, adding that his “sacrifice” would not be allowed to go in vain.

Purnekar was the Shiv Sena (UBT) division head for the Manpada, Manorama Nagar and Azad Nagar areas. According to preliminary reports, the assailants opened fire at him and also attacked him with a sharp weapon before fleeing the spot.

Police are examining CCTV footage and have formed teams to trace the other accused. Investigators are also looking into the motive behind the attack.

Purnekar’s son, Ram Purnekar, has alleged that his father had received threats and named Meenakshi Shinde and her husband Rajendra Shinde in connection with the alleged threats. The allegations have not been independently established and police are investigating them.

The killing has triggered anger among Shiv Sena (UBT) workers in the area, with party workers demanding the arrest of all those responsible. A shutdown was also reported in parts of Manorama Nagar following the incident.