Five including three women detained in Thane Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Purnekar murder case; SIT probing

The investigation into the murder of Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) divisional chief Pradeep alias Balu Purnekar in Thane is progressing, and police have found some new leads. Police have detained five people, including three women, from the Mira Road area for questioning.

Police suspect that the three women were in contact with the main suspect, Papya Shinde. Investigators are now examining whether they had any role in the conspiracy to murder Purnekar.

The police probe has found that the detained women have been in contact with Papya Shinde. It has also emerged that Purnekar and Papya Shinde were once close. Police are therefore looking into whether the women had an old dispute with Purnekar, or whether there was any contact between them before the murder.

Police have already arrested Papya Shinde in the case. According to police, he was formerly a close associate of Purnekar. Police have also said he was present at the spot at the time of the attack.

Given the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed. It is learnt that the team is being led by Crime Branch DCP Amarsingh Jadhav. The team has 23 officers, including an assistant commissioner of police, senior police inspectors, assistant police inspectors, sub-inspectors and other staff.

CCTV footage, technical information and other available evidence are being examined to establish the roles of those accused of the murder. Police have already sent out several teams to search for the accused.

Meanwhile, Purnekar's family has accused former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband Rajendra Shinde of being involved in the murder conspiracy. Following these allegations, police are reported to have named both in a supplementary statement. Meenakshi Shinde has rejected the allegations and said an attempt is being made to implicate her in the case.

All eyes are now on where the threads of the investigation lead, from Papya Shinde to the five newly detained people and the family's allegations.

Tension had gripped the area after the murder. Purnekar's family refused to accept the body, demanding action against the accused. A large police deployment was made when a crowd of supporters gathered outside the police station. Security has also reportedly been increased outside Meenakshi Shinde's house. The SIT is investigating the real conspiracy behind the murder, the role of the accused and the involvement of other people concerned.