A shooting at a Shiv Sena (UBT) office in Thane on the night of September 29, 2026, left party leader Pradeep Purnekar dead after he was hit by gunfire and a sharp‑weapon attack.
Purnekar, the Thane vibhag pramukh of the party, was working at his office in the Manpada area when two assailants entered and opened fire around 9 p.m. He sustained serious bullet wounds and was taken to Infinity Hospital on Ghodbunder Road, where he died during treatment.
Police have identified five suspects in the case: Nikhil Yadav, Papya Shinde, Akash Nimse, Santosh Kanojia, and one unidentified individual. Shinde and Nimse have been detained for questioning, while authorities are searching for the remaining suspects.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the office and surrounding roads to reconstruct the attack and trace the assailants, who reportedly fled with their faces covered. Kapurbawdi police have registered an offence and are coordinating multiple teams to track the perpetrators.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut condemned the killing, questioned Thane’s law‑and‑order situation, and suggested that Purnekar’s opposition to illegal activities and redevelopment interests may have been a motive. Raut called for the arrest of those responsible. The motive for the murder remains undetermined as the investigation continues.
