Two held in murder of Thane Sena (UBT) functionary Pradeep Purnekar; three accused absconding

Police investigating the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief Pradeep, alias 'Bala', Purnekar, which has shaken Thane city, appear to have made a significant breakthrough. Acting swiftly, police have detained two suspects, Papya Shinde and Akash Nimse.

The main suspects, Nikhil Yadav, Santosh Kanojia and another unidentified associate, are absconding. Police are searching for the three and have sent special teams to different locations.

According to preliminary information, the attackers, acting on a planned conspiracy, first shot at Pradeep Purnekar and then attacked him with a sharp weapon. Critically injured, Purnekar was rushed to hospital but died during treatment.

Police are tracing the absconding accused with the help of CCTV footage from the area and other technical evidence. Thane Police are investigating the case thoroughly from every angle. Work to identify the entire conspiracy and the mastermind behind it is progressing rapidly.

After the murder, the victim's son, Ram Pradeep, alias Balu, Purnekar, spoke to the media and made several startling claims. According to Ram Purnekar, some suspicious people were seen with Rajendra Shinde during the Ganpati immersion. He also said that Papya Shinde, who has now been detained, had come and sat in his father's office just a day before the murder.

Ram said he had earlier feared for his father's life and had warned him. His father replied, "Do not step out of the house after 10 pm, the danger could be to you too."

Ram Purnekar also referred to an alleged audio clip that went viral during the municipal corporation elections. It is claimed that the voice in the clip is that of former mayor Meenakshi Shinde, and the family alleges that it openly threatened his father. The claims and the alleged audio clip have not been independently verified, and the truth will emerge only from the police investigation.

Speaking about his father's work, Ram Purnekar said he had led a major campaign against drugs in the local area. He had played an active role in driving out young drug users and the drug mafia to make the area completely "drug-free". Against this background, Ram has demanded that the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister ensure all the accused in the murder are arrested immediately and face strict legal action.