Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief Pradeep Purnekar shot dead in Thane; family sits outside police station

Tension prevails in Thane after the murder of Pradeep Purnekar, a divisional chief of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction in the city. Purnekar was attacked in the Manpada area on Tuesday night (September 29, 2026). According to preliminary information from the police, he was shot at and also physically assaulted. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died during treatment.

Purnekar's body was taken to J.J. Hospital in Mumbai for a post-mortem, after which the family took custody of it. His family and supporters have sat down in protest outside Kapurbawdi police station, demanding action against all the accused. The family has reportedly decided to keep the body outside the police station until strict action is taken against the accused.

Purnekar's son, Ram Purnekar, and party workers went to Kapurbawdi police station. Ram Purnekar has alleged a conspiracy behind his father's murder. The police are investigating to establish the exact motive. They have begun action against the suspects.

According to police sources, the names of five suspects have emerged in the investigation: Nikhil Yadav, Papya Shinde, Akash Nimse, Santosh Kanojia and one more unidentified person. Of these, Papya Shinde and Akash Nimse have been taken into custody. Reports up to Wednesday afternoon said Papya alias Papu Shinde and Akash Nimse had been arrested and that the search for the other suspects continues.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Kadam said a total of nine teams, drawn from the crime branch and the police, are searching for the remaining suspects. CCTV footage from the spot and the main roads nearby is being examined. Police are tracing how the attackers reached the spot and which route they took to flee after the attack.

The family has expressed deep anger over the murder. They have said they will not proceed with the funeral until all the accused involved in the attack and the alleged mastermind behind the killing are arrested.

Purnekar's brother, Jaynath Purnekar, has also demanded that the masterminds behind the murder be found. Speaking to the media, he demanded a thorough investigation into who the shooters were, who ordered the attack and who exactly is behind the killing.