Full Breakdown
Murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) Division Head Pradeep Purnekar Shocks Thane
By Drooid · · How we work
The Fatal Shooting
On Tuesday night, September 30 2026, Pradeep “Bala” Purnekar, division head of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) in Thane’s Manpada-Ganesh Nagar area, was attacked by unidentified assailants outside his party office. Witnesses said the attackers first used sharp weapons and then fired two rounds, striking him in the chest. He was taken to Infinity Hospital near R Mall on Ghodbunder Road, where he died despite emergency care.
Political Background and Factional Split
Thane has long been a Shiv Sena stronghold. The 2022 split created the UBT camp and the Eknath Shinde-led camp that now governs Maharashtra. Purnekar was known for opposing local builder lobbyists and alleged drug networks in Manorama Nagar. The murder occurred in a region dominated by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s supporters.
Investigation and Police Actions
The case falls under Kapurbawdi police station. Police cordoned the scene, deployed forensic teams and began scanning CCTV footage from the office and nearby roads. “Nakabandi” checkpoints have been set up at major Thane exits. Two suspects—identified as Pappya Shinde and Akash Nimse—have been detained for questioning, while five individuals (Nikhil Yadav, Pappya Shinde, Akash Nimse, Santosh Kanojia, and an unidentified person) remain under investigation. Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Kadam said a manhunt is underway for an additional three to four accused.
Accusations and Opposition Voices
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused the “real masterminds” of being within the Shinde camp, calling the incident a “disgrace” for the state Home Department headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Ram Purnekar, the victim’s son, alleged that Meenakshi Shinde—former Thane mayor and women’s wing chief of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena—and her husband Rajendra Shinde had threatened his father and were present with some of the accused shortly before the attack. Meenakshi Shinde declined comment, saying she would respond after police investigations conclude.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Motive: Police have not established a definitive motive; investigations consider political rivalry, personal enmity and possible drug-mafia links.
- Allegations vs. Evidence: The family’s claim that the Shinde couple orchestrated the murder remains unverified.
- Number of Suspects: Reports vary between two detainees and five individuals under scrutiny.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Two suspects have been taken into custody so far in connection with this case, while a manhunt is underway to nab another three to four accused. Teams from the Kapurbawdi police station along with Crime Branch units are conducting a thorough investigation. The exact motive behind the attack remains unclear at this stage.” — Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Kadam
What’s Next
Police continue to examine CCTV footage, expand checkpoint operations and pursue additional suspects identified by the Crime Branch. The investigation remains open, with authorities stating that all potential angles—including political rivalry and personal enmity—are being explored.