Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), pledged support to Pradeep Purnekar’s family and said he would not rest until those responsible were punished. The statement followed his meeting with Purnekar’s wife and son; it was a political pledge, not a police finding about who planned or carried out the killing.
What happened to Pradeep Purnekar?
Pradeep Purnekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief in Thane, was attacked at his office in Manpada on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. He died after being taken to hospital, according to The Indian Express and Hindustan Times.
The Indian Express reported that masked attackers fled and that Kapurbawdi police registered an offence and began investigating. Investigators were scanning CCTV, according to that report. These are reported investigative steps, not a publicly established account of the attackers’ identities.
What did Uddhav Thackeray say?
On October 1, Thackeray met Purnekar’s wife, Vijeta, and son, Ram, and pledged the party’s support to the family. Hindustan Times attributed this statement to him after the meeting: “We will not rest until the killers and masterminds behind the murder are punished.”
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The language about “masterminds” expresses Thackeray’s position and should not be read as confirmation that investigators had identified conspirators or established anyone’s guilt.
What had police reported by October 3?
Reports described a developing investigation over several days. The procedural updates available by October 3 were:
- September 29: Kapurbawdi police registered an offence after the attack, and investigators began looking into the case, The Indian Express reported.
- October 2: Hindustan Times reported that police had formed a special investigation team (SIT) and were questioning people in connection with the case. Mid-Day reported that the SIT had 23 members and was led by DCP (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav.
- October 3: Hindustan Times reported three arrests in total, including two suspects arrested in Raigad while they were allegedly trying to flee to Goa. The report said police were examining motive and responsibility.
These details reflect reports published on those dates; arrest and questioning status can change as an investigation proceeds.
What is known about the allegations involving Meenakshi and Rajendra Shinde?
Purnekar’s family and Shiv Sena (UBT) figures alleged a political motive and named former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband, Rajendra Shinde. These are allegations, not established findings that either person ordered, planned or took part in the killing.
As of its October 3 report, Hindustan Times said police had not yet called Meenakshi or Rajendra Shinde for questioning. That time-specific update does not establish what investigators may do later. Motive and ultimate responsibility remained unresolved in the latest report available here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What remains unresolved?
The reports available as of October 3 described arrests and an SIT, but did not establish who was ultimately responsible or why Purnekar was killed. A political statement, an accusation by the family or party figures, and a police finding are distinct things; guilt should be treated as established only if supported by subsequent official or judicial findings.
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