Meenakshi Shinde resigns as Thane Mahila Aghadi chief amid Pradeep Purnekar murder probe

The murder of Pradeep Purnekar, an office-bearer of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in Thane, has heated up politics. Meenakshi Shinde has resigned as Thane district Mahila Aghadi chief. She has submitted her resignation to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The Purnekar family is demanding the arrest of Meenakshi Shinde and her husband Rajendra Shinde in the case. The family alleges that both were involved in the conspiracy to murder. It claims it has submitted CCTV footage and photographs and wants action on the basis of this evidence. The allegations have not yet been proved.

Talk of the resignation intensified after a statement by Transport Minister and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik. On October 28, Sarnaik gave his personal opinion that Meenakshi Shinde should stay away from party posts until the investigation is complete. He also said he had conveyed this to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Pradeep Purnekar was killed on September 29, 2026, in his office in the Manpada area of Thane. Reports say the attackers fired shots and also struck with a sharp weapon. After the incident, the police registered a case and began an investigation, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the matter.

The police have said that five accused have been arrested so far. CCTV footage, call records, witness statements and other evidence are being examined. Based on some scenes in the CCTV footage and photographs provided by the Purnekar family, suspicion has been raised about Rajendra Shinde's link to the case.

The SIT has also questioned Meenakshi Shinde. She says she is cooperating with the investigation. No conclusion has yet emerged from the questioning about who played what role.

All eyes are now on what decision the party takes on Meenakshi Shinde's resignation and which way the investigation proceeds. While the family demands arrests, the SIT is examining evidence to establish the motive behind the murder and any possible conspiracy. Whether the role of Meenakshi Shinde, Rajendra Shinde or anyone else is proved will become clear only after further investigation.