- September 30, 2026
Thane Shiv Sena UBT Leader Murder: CCTV Captures Masked Men Before Attack; 2 Arrested
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Five suspects have come under the scanner so far – Nikhil Yadav, Pappya Shinde, Akash Nimse, Santosh Kanojia and another unidentified person
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area to establish the movements of the suspects before and after the crime. (Image: News18)
A political killing in Thane has triggered a major police investigation after Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief Pradeep “Bala” Purnekar was shot and attacked with sharp weapons in the Manpada area. Purnekar, who was critically injured in the assault, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The attack took place at Purnekar’s office in Ganesh Nagar, where unidentified assailants allegedly opened fire at him. Police sources said two rounds were fired before the attackers also used sharp weapons. The exact sequence of the assault and the motive behind the killing are now being investigated.
Police have detained two suspects and are looking for other members of the alleged group involved in the attack. Five suspects have come under the scanner so far – Nikhil Yadav, Pappya Shinde, Akash Nimse, Santosh Kanojia and another unidentified person. Pappya Shinde and Akash Nimse have been taken into custody for questioning.
A CCTV recording has also emerged as a key piece of evidence. The footage reportedly shows two men with their faces covered with cloth, travelling on a motorcycle towards the direction of Purnekar’s office shortly before the attack. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area to establish the movements of the suspects before and after the crime.
The Thane Crime Branch and local police have formed nine teams to trace the remaining suspects. Police are also scanning CCTV footage and gathering other evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events. Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Kadam said the investigation is underway and efforts are being made to identify and apprehend all those involved.
Purnekar’s family, however, has raised serious allegations about the circumstances leading to the killing. His son, Ram Purnekar, alleged that Meenakshi Shinde and Rajendra Shinde had threatened his father. He further claimed that Rajendra Shinde had held a meeting as part of the alleged plan. These allegations have not yet been independently established by the police and will form part of the investigation.
Purnekar’s elder brother Jayanath Purnekar alleged that the family had noticed suspicious activity and claimed that the accused had been conducting reconnaissance since Ganesh festival. He has demanded that investigators examine the matter from multiple angles, including the broader local network and possible planning behind the attack.
At A Glance
Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief Pradeep “Bala” Purnekar was shot and attacked with sharp weapons in Thane.
Purnekar died while undergoing treatment at a hospital after the assault at his office in Ganesh Nagar.
Police have detained two suspects, Pappya Shinde and Akash Nimse, and are looking for others.
Nine police teams have been formed by the Thane Crime Branch and local police to trace the remaining suspects.
Purnekar’s son, Ram Purnekar, alleged that Meenakshi Shinde and Rajendra Shinde had threatened his father.
The killing has sent shockwaves through Thane’s political circles. For investigators, the immediate questions are clear: who ordered the attack, who carried it out, and what was the motive? The answers are expected to emerge as the police piece together CCTV footage, witness statements and the interrogation of those already detained.
About the Author
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @…Read More
September 30, 2026, 08:07 IST
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