30 September,2026 09:13 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Pradeep Purnekar suffered two gunshot wounds to his chest and succumbed to his injuries, officials said. Representational Image
Local Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar was killed after unidentified assailants allegedly shot and assaulted him in Thane city, police said.
The incident took place around 9 pm on Tuesday within the limits of the Kapurbawdi police station. The attack triggered tension in the area and concern among local party workers and supporters.
Purnekar was the Thane division head of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), a party leader said.
Following the attack, Purnekar was rushed to Infinity Hospital near R Mall on Ghodbunder Road, where doctors and medical staff began emergency treatment.
Police said Purnekar had sustained serious bullet injuries and died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The circumstances leading to the attack were not immediately clear. Police said the motive had not yet been established and that the investigation was underway.
Authorities are examining different angles as part of the investigation, including the possibility of political rivalry and personal enmity, police said.
Investigators reached the scene after being alerted about the shooting and secured the area. Forensic evidence was also being collected as part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police are questioning people who may have witnessed the incident and are gathering information about the assailants and their movements before and after the shooting.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area and nearby arterial roads to identify the attackers and establish their escape route.
The footage from locations surrounding the scene is being scanned as police work to determine how the assailants fled after the attack.
Authorities are also examining other available evidence that could help identify those responsible for the killing.
Police have set up checkpoints at major exits from Thane in an effort to intercept the suspects.
Security has been increased in the area as the investigation continues. Police teams are also conducting searches and gathering information that could help trace the assailants.
The killing has led to concern among local Shiv Sena (UBT) workers and supporters, with senior party leaders demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Party leaders have also called for a swift investigation into the incident and action against those found responsible.
Police were continuing to investigate the killing, while the motive and identities of the assailants remained to be established.
(With inputs from PTI)
