Ex-Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde asks police chief to protect Purnekar family after Pradeep Purnekar murder

The murder of Pradeep Purnekar, a divisional chief of the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) in Thane's Manpada area, has heated up the political climate. Former mayor Meenakshi Shinde has now written to the police commissioner, making a major demand in the letter.

The Purnekar family is making allegations against Meenakshi Shinde and her husband, Pradeep Shinde, and is also demanding that both be arrested. Meenakshi Shinde herself has now sent a letter to the police commissioner.

After Pradeep Purnekar's death, his family has become aggressive in seeking justice. Ram Purnekar and Opposition leaders had held an agitation demanding action against the suspects in the case. Meenakshi Shinde has now raised an entirely different issue.

She has alleged that some Opposition leaders are using this tragic incident for political gain. She has also said in the letter that political allegations and counter-allegations could disturb the atmosphere in Thane and create a law-and-order problem.

The most important part of the letter is its concern for the safety of Ram Purnekar and his entire family. Meenakshi Shinde has expressed fear that political opponents could stage something untoward. She has therefore demanded police protection for Ram Purnekar, his family and his close associates. She has also asked the police commissioner to increase immediately the police protection currently available.

In the letter, Meenakshi Shinde has named Aaditya Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, Vinayak Raut, Anil Parab and Rajan Vichare, along with other Opposition leaders. She has also alleged that the case is being used to try to tarnish the image of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. She also claimed that some accused who are out on bail were present at a press conference, and questioned the Opposition's role on that basis.

On one hand, the Purnekar family is demanding justice, while on the other, Meenakshi Shinde has raised the issue of that same family's safety. The murder case has thus taken a new political turn. All eyes are on what decision the police administration takes on the demand.