Uddhav Thackeray visits slain leader’s family

Thane: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on October 1 visited the family of slain party leader Pradeep alias Balu Purnekar at their residence in Ganesh Nagar, Manpada, and offered his condolences. The visit came a day after Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut met police officials and Purnekar’s family.

Purnekar, the party’s divisional chief in Manpada, was shot and attacked with a sharp weapon at his office on Tuesday night. Police have arrested Prakash alias Papya Shinde, a former aide and close associate of Purnekar, and have booked four others in connection with the murder. Four suspects are reportedly still absconding.

During his meeting with the bereaved family, Thackeray assured them of support. According to reports, he told the family, “We are with you”, while offering reassurance during the emotional meeting.

The case has triggered a political confrontation in Thane. Sanjay Raut has alleged that “Purnekar had been involved in conflicts with the rival Shiv Sena faction and had opposed alleged drug networks and the builder lobby.” Raut also criticised the state government and demanded accountability over the law-and-order situation. These remain political allegations and have not been established by investigators.

Police intensify probe

The police investigation into the murder has intensified amid public and political pressure, with multiple Crime Branch teams deployed. Kapurbawdi police registered an FIR based on a complaint by the victim’s relatives, whose statements reportedly named former Mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband in connection with the alleged conspiracy.

CCTV footage showed masked attackers arriving on a scooter, carrying out the shooting and fleeing the scene. Police have arrested suspects, including Prakash alias Papya Shinde, who reportedly had prior differences with the victim, and another suspect, Akash Nimse.

Investigators are questioning the accused, analysing call records and tracing absconding suspects. Security has also been strengthened in Manpada and Manorama Nagar. Purnekar’s funeral was held on  October 1 amid a gathering of supporters, following demands from his family for strict action against those responsible.