Thane: Shiv Sena (UBT) president
Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday assured support to the family of party functionary Pradeep “Balu Dada” Purnekar, who was shot dead on Tuesday night.
Thackeray, accompanied by senior party politicians, visited the Purnekars at their Manpada residence. “I have come to console the family and give them courage. The police should verify the allegations made against the suspects. I have assured them the fight will continue until the accused receive the death penalty,” he said.
Former MP Rajan Vichare of the Shiv Sena (UBT) said more than 72 hours had passed without the prime accused named by the family being arrested, fuelling anger in Thane. “Purnekar’s wife Vijeta claimed that no local corporator visited them. She has also appealed to Dy CM
Eknath Shinde to ensure justice and withdraw his support for former mayor Meenakshi Shinde, whom she has named as one of the main accused,” he said.
Thane BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar called for a thorough probe and pointed out how the growing redevelopment and cluster-development activity in the city could be a trigger for such conflicts. “Since significant financial interests are involved, anti-social elements may be involved, requiring timely police action,” Kelkar said, adding that those named by the family as primary suspects should be questioned.
Former mayor Meenakshi Shinde from the Shiv Sena denied allegations linking her to the attack, calling them politically motivated. “The incident is unfortunate. It seems like an attempt to implicate me. I have no clue what they want to achieve by making such baseless allegations. I will cooperate with the police if called for questioning. The truth will be out soon,” she said.
Purnekar and Meenakshi Shinde were political rivals and in the 2026 civic election, the Shiv Sena defeated the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates — Purnekar’s wife and brother — by a narrow margin.
