02 October,2026 03:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Former Thane mayor and Shiv Sena leader Meenakshi Shinde (left) and Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske. File Pic
Former Thane mayor and Shiv Sena leader Meenakshi Shinde denied any connection between herself or her family and the murder of late Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar.
Shinde alleged that she was being dragged into the case for political reasons because she was supporting Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Speaking at a press conference in Thane, Shinde said the police were conducting a detailed investigation and should be allowed to proceed without interference.
"I am ready to face questioning and will fully cooperate with the police if summoned," she said.
Shinde alleged that "baseless allegations" were being levelled against her and her husband despite, according to her, there being no evidence linking them to the Pradeep Purnekar murder case.
Shinde questioned whether Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray should also face arrest merely because, as she alleged, their names had surfaced in connection with the Disha Salian case.
She alleged that her political opponents were using Purnekar's death for political gains and said the case should not be turned into a political issue while the investigation was underway.
Shinde also targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut over his handling of the issue.
Referring to a recent press conference in Thane where Aaditya Thackeray was present, Shinde questioned why Raut had been the primary speaker and asked whether he was "Rashmi Thackeray's close aide".
Shinde alleged that political criticism in connection with the murder case was being taken to an inappropriate level.
Shinde said she had close ties with residents of her ward and described Purnekar's murder as unfortunate.
She alleged that some political leaders were attempting to provoke the Purnekar family and use their grief for political gains.
"This dirty politics should stop here," Shinde said.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske accused the Shiv Sena (UBT) of politicising Pradeep Purnekar murder.
Mhaske said he had a personal relationship with the Purnekar family and described the killing as "extremely unfortunate and tragic".
He alleged that leaders of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction were using the incident for political purposes and to target Eknath Shinde.
Mhaske said the police investigation should be allowed to proceed and asserted that no accused would be protected if the investigation establishes their involvement.
"Whoever is found to be an accused will not be protected under any circumstances. We will try to ensure justice for the Purnekar family," he said.
Mhaske also referred to Meenakshi Shinde's stated willingness to face questioning and said the investigating agencies should be allowed to complete their probe.
Mhaske invoked the Disha Salian case while responding to criticism over names appearing in FIRs.
He alleged that there was a "double standard" in the way political opponents were treating names appearing in different cases.
Mhaske claimed that Salian's father had been seeking action from investigating agencies and alleged that Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray had been named in connection with the case.
He further alleged that evidence had been destroyed during Uddhav Thackeray's tenure as chief minister. The Shiv Sena MP challenged Thackeray to voluntarily face arrest and said Meenakshi Shinde would also be willing to face arrest.
Mhaske urged Sanjay Raut not to politicise the Pradeep Purnekar murder case.
He alleged that Raut was attempting to "heat up the atmosphere" by posting audio clips on social media and urged him to allow the police to conduct their investigation.
Mhaske also appealed to those claiming to support the Purnekar family to cooperate with the police in identifying the accused, rather than making political allegations.
Mhaske said that the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction should introspect on its electoral performance in Thane.
He attributed what he described as attempts to hold Eknath Shinde responsible for incidents in the city to political rivalry and what he called frustration following electoral defeats.
Mhaske reiterated that, in his view, no accused should be protected, but said political allegations should not be made before the police investigation is complete.
Mhaske also referred to actor Dino Morea's arrest in the Mithi River case while responding to criticism from the Thackeray faction.
He questioned whether the same demand for arrests should be made whenever a person's name is mentioned or discussed in connection with a case.
Mhaske alleged that the Thackeray faction should examine issues concerning its own political camp before making allegations against others.
Mhaske also referred to the Sapna Patkar case while criticising Sanjay Raut.
He alleged that Raut had previously used abusive language against Patkar and questioned whether Raut would be held responsible if anything happened to her in the future.
The allegations made by both sides come as the police investigation into Pradeep Purnekar's murder continues.
