Shiv Sena (UBT) Thane Division Chief Pradeep Purnekar Shot Dead
Pradeep Purnekar, Shiv Sena (UBT) Thane division head, died after unidentified men shot and assaulted him near Kapurbawdi on Tuesday night.
A local leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Thane city, Maharashtra, on Tuesday night, police said.
Pradeep Purnekar, who served as the Thane 'vibhag pramukh', or division head, of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, was attacked around 9 pm under the jurisdiction of the Kapurbawdi police station. The assailants fired two rounds at him and also physically assaulted him, according to police.
Purnekar was rushed to Infinity Hospital near R Mall on Ghodbunder Road, where medical staff began emergency treatment. He had sustained serious bullet injuries and died during treatment.
The attack triggered tension in the area and caused widespread concern among local party workers and supporters.
A police team reached the spot after being informed and secured the area while collecting forensic evidence. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the site and nearby arterial roads to trace the escape route of the attackers. Checkpoints, or 'nakabandi', have been set up at major exits in Thane to catch the suspects.
The motive behind the attack is not yet known. Authorities said they are investigating all possible angles, including political rivalry and personal enmity.
Senior party leaders demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and a swift investigation into the incident.