One person has been arrested and four others have been booked in connection with the killing of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar in Thane, Maharashtra. Purnekar, a divisional functionary of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), was shot during a nearby attack around his office on Tuesday night, September 29, 2026.
According to police reports, the incident happened around 9:30 pm in the Manpada area of Ghodbunder Road. Purnekar was attacked from outside or near his office, where assailants opened fire before fleeing the area.
Purnekar sustained serious bullet injuries and was rushed to a private hospital in Thane. He died while in the hospital. Police have since launched an investigation and have reviewed CCTV footage and evidence to identify those involved.
Former Aide Prakash Shinde Arrested
Police arrested Prakash alias Papya Shinde in connection with the case on Wednesday. Shinde was described in reports as a former aide and close associate of Purnekar.
Shinde was present when the attack happened and he even helped take the injured Purnekar to hospital, police said. It was investigators who later became suspicious of his role in the attack, investigators said.
Police also claimed Shinde had conducted a recce of Purnekar's office a few days before the shooting. But reports also said that Shinde denied involvement in the murder during questioning. His alleged role remains under investigation by the police.
Four More Suspects Booked
Police have booked four more suspects for the murder. The Times of India reported that they are Santosh Kanojia alias Talli, Nikhil Yadav alias Shooter, Nitesh Pawar alias Bhavdya and Akash Nimse.
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. We are investigating the sequence of events, the identities of the attackers and the motive behind the killing.
Political Rivalry Claims Under Investigation
The murder has also caused a political controversy in Thane. Family members and UBT (Shiv Sena) leaders have alleged political rivalry, and police are investigating other possibilities, including personal enmity.
Some Sena (UBT) leaders and Purnekar’s family have alleged local political rivalry could be connected to the killing. Former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband Rajendra Shinde have been accused of involvement by Purnekar’s family and party leaders, but they have denied the claims and called for a police investigation. These claims have not been proved by police as facts.
Investigation Continues
The killing has led to protests by Purnekar’s supporters who have petitioned for swift action against all those who took part. Police formed teams to find the remaining suspects and are investigating the shooting.
As of October 1, one suspect had been arrested and four others were booked in the case. The investigation is ongoing and the motivation and alleged role of each accused are yet to be conclusively established.
