Pradeep Purnekar murder: Thane police detain son during protest march towards Eknath Shinde’s bungalow

Hundreds of locals hit the streets and staged a ‘rasta roko’ outside the Naupada police station. PIC/SAMEER MARKANDE

The police on Tuesday detained slain Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar's son, Ram Purnekar, while attempting to march towards the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Thane. As he attempted to head Shinde's bungalow to stage a peaceful protest, police intercepted him in the Wagle Estate area.

The detention triggered a protest at Naupada police station, drawing local leaders from the opposition parties. Meanwhile, hundreds of locals, along with his associates, hit the streets and staged a ‘rasta roko' (road blockade) outside the police station demanding his release.

Deceased Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar. FILE PIC

Son in tears

Visuals showed Ram in tears and pleading with officers. "I have lost my father, sir," he said as the police detained him and took him to Naupada police station. Ram has demanded the arrest of former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband in connection with his father's murder on September 29.

Oppn stage protest

Ram's detention drew leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, NCP (SP), and Congress who staged a protest at the police station and raised slogans. They demanded the resignation of Dy CM Shinde, alleging the "rise" in crime in Thane city. MNS leader Avinash Jadhav accused the administration of protecting high-profile individuals.

Ex-mayor questioned

Meanwhile, former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde appeared before the Anti-Extortion Cell (AEC) office for questioning. "I am cooperating fully with the police," she told reporters. Pradeep Purnekar, the Shiv Sena (UBT) Manpada ward/division chief, was attacked and killed in his office by unidentified assailants on September 29, following which police arrested five suspects.

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