In Thane, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray accused Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday of protecting the alleged conspirators in the murder case of former Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar. Thackeray’s charge came amid claims that key figures linked to the case have yet to be arrested.
Demand for Arrests of Main Accused
Speaking at a press conference in Thane, Thackeray expressed concern over the police arresting only the hired killers in the incident. He insisted that until former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and Rajendra Shinde are detained, the true conspiracy behind the murder will remain hidden. According to him, authorities are deliberately shielding those behind the crime.
Thackeray conveyed frustration after meeting with the Thane Police Commissioner along with Pradeep Purnekar’s son Ram, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, and other Shiv Sena (UBT) members. He revealed that despite providing CCTV footage as evidence, no arrests have been made to apprehend the main accused.
Criticism of Political Response
Before the press meet, Thackeray visited the Purnekar family to offer support. Raising questions, he asked why law enforcement was delaying action despite clear evidence of a politically motivated killing. He alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Shinde was eager to protect the alleged mastermind and conspirators involved.
Thackeray strongly criticized Eknath Shinde, who is also the guardian minister of Thane. He highlighted that Ram Purnekar, seeking justice for his father’s murder, was taken into custody after meeting Shinde. Thackeray accused local leaders allied with Shinde of using abusive language and engaging in childish attempts to intimidate his group.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also targeted Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis for failing to deliver justice to the Purnekar family. According to Thackeray, while the public waits for justice, Fadnavis remains occupied with divisive politics, environmental harm, and selling off parts of the Sahyadri mountain range.
Sanjay Raut echoed these sentiments, criticizing Fadnavis as Maharashtra’s weakest Home Minister. Raut warned those who challenged Shiv Sena leaders to come to Thane that they are ready for a direct confrontation. He urged the police to arrest Meenakshi and Rajendra Shinde, calling them the main accused. Raut also remarked that protests are rising as people demand justice and condemnation against attempts to shelter the murderers.
So far, police have only detained the hitmen behind Pradeep Purnekar’s murder. However, the arrests of the alleged conspirators remain pending, escalating tensions in the region. Both political side disputes and ongoing public agitation have kept the issue in focus.
