Story perspectives

Two Suspects Arrested in Thane Shiv Sena Leader Killing

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 5:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Pradeep Purnekar Killed

Pradeep Purnekar, a Shiv Sena divisional head, was shot dead outside his Thane office on Tuesday night.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused the Shinde camp of masterminding the killing.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Kadam said two suspects were arrested and a manhunt continues for three to four more.
Meenakshi Shinde, former Thane mayor, and husband Rajendra Shinde denied involvement and urged police investigation.

Summary

Police Secure Scene

Police forensic team secured the crime scene and began evidence collection after the shooting.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the office area and nearby arterial roads to trace the escape route.
Checkpoints called “nakabandi” were set up at major Thane exits to intercept fleeing suspects.
Purnekar’s body was transferred to JJ Hospital in Mumbai for a post-mortem examination.

Summary

Purnekar Attacked Post-Protest

Purnekar organized a protest over resident issues in Azad Nagar and Ganesh Nagar, which were denied.
He posted about the denial on media shortly before attackers assaulted him near Kapurbawdi Police Station at 9 pm.
Attackers fired multiple rounds, used sharp weapons, and he was taken to Infinity Hospital near R Mall.
Police formed nine Branch teams, scanned CCTV and listed suspects: Nikhil Yadav, Pappya Shinde, Akash Nimse, Santosh Kanojia, unidentified.

History

Historical Context

On 26 November 2008, Lashkar-e-Taiba’s 26/11 attacks killed 175 people and injured over 300, prompting Maharashtra to create the elite Force One, install citywide surveillance and pass the UAPA anti-terror law while the federal government formed the National Investigation Agency. Those security reforms shape today’s response to the politically charged murder of Shiv Sena leader Pradeep Purnekar in Thane.

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Pradeep Purnekar Killed

Pradeep Purnekar, a Shiv Sena divisional head, was shot dead outside his Thane office on Tuesday night.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused the Shinde camp of masterminding the killing.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Kadam said two suspects were arrested and a manhunt continues for three to four more.
Meenakshi Shinde, former Thane mayor, and husband Rajendra Shinde denied involvement and urged police investigation.

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