Thane SIT moves to invoke MCOCA against accused in Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradip Purnekar's murder

The special investigation team (SIT) probing the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradip Purnekar is now preparing to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused. Investigators are going through the criminal records of the accused and the alleged planning of the murder.

According to police sources, the SIT is completing the legal formalities required to apply the stringent law. Five accused have been arrested so far in connection with the murder.

The investigation has found that the accused allegedly plotted the murder, carried out reconnaissance beforehand and arranged a gun, other weapons and vehicles for the attack. Investigators have also found evidence that the accused had received training in firing a gun. It is not yet clear, however, whether anyone else helped them prepare for the murder.

According to officials, the first accused, Subhash Shinde alias Papya Shinde, has 11 cases registered against him, including threatening, assault, causing grievous hurt and unlawful assembly. The second accused, Nitesh Pawar alias Bhavad, faces several cases, including attempt to murder and murder. The third accused, Santosh Kanojia alias Talli, has two non-cognisable cases. No earlier criminal case has come to light against the other two accused, Nikhil Yadav and Amit Singh alias Pappu.

According to the latest information, police have traced the two country-made pistols allegedly used in the attack to Uttar Pradesh. Each pistol was reportedly bought there for Rs 15,000. The choppers allegedly used in the crime were bought from Chor Bazaar in Mumbai for about Rs 200 to Rs 250 in all.

Police have seized two pistols, two choppers, a mobile phone and a four-wheeler linked to the case. Inquiries into where the weapons came from and the role of those who arranged them are continuing.

Rajendra Shinde, husband of former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde, was questioned for the seventh time on Friday, October 23, by the anti-extortion squad of the Thane Crime Branch. He was reportedly allowed to leave after about six hours of questioning.

The questioning follows allegations by Purnekar's son Ram. At a press conference, Ram claimed to have videos showing Rajendra Shinde teaching one of the accused how to hold and fire a gun. He also alleged that the helmeted man seen in CCTV footage from the night of the murder could be Shinde. Investigators have not confirmed these allegations.

Police sources have indicated that the SIT may travel to Mulshi in Pune district to gather information about the alleged gun-training videos. Investigators are also looking into why three CCTV cameras at Purnekar's office were switched off at the time of the attack, because of which police have no footage of the murder.

Purnekar was the division head of Shiv Sena (UBT) in Thane. He was shot and attacked with a knife at his office in the Manpada area on September 29. The SIT is continuing to investigate the motive for the murder, the alleged conspiracy and whether anyone else was involved in the planning or the crime.