Thane: Thane Police have arrested two additional suspects, including the alleged shooter, bringing the total number of individuals in custody to three in connection with the fatal shooting of Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief Pradeep Purnekar.
The deceased leader was shot dead on a Tuesday night in the Manpada area of Thane.
Also Watch:
Arrest and Technical Surveillance
The newly apprehended suspects have been identified as the alleged shooter, Nikhil Yadav, and his associate, Nitesh Pawar. According to law enforcement officials, investigators tracked the pair through technical surveillance. They were intercepted and arrested near Alibag in the Raigad district while allegedly attempting to flee toward Goa.
Prior to these arrests, police had taken into custody the victim's former associate, Prakash alias Papya Shinde. Shinde was present at the scene during the attack and had allegedly rushed the injured leader to a hospital.
Ongoing Investigation and Political Repercussions
Authorities have registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. Investigators are actively questioning the detained suspects to uncover the underlying motives, map out the planning of the assassination, and recover the weapons allegedly used in the crime.
Meanwhile, police have identified four other suspects allegedly involved in the attack. Ongoing searches are being conducted across Thane, Raigad, and neighboring areas to apprehend those still at large. The Thane Police have also formed a special investigation team (SIT) to oversee the high-profile case, with several individuals subjected to questioning.
The killing has sparked a major political controversy in Thane. The victim's son, Ram Purnekar, has publicly alleged that former Thane Mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband, Rajendra Shinde, orchestrated the assassination. The couple has strongly denied any involvement, calling for a thorough police investigation to establish the facts. Police have also questioned the couple as part of the ongoing probe.
To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
