24 October,2026 08:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
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The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar is preparing to invoke provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused, with investigators examining their criminal antecedents and the alleged planning behind the killing.
According to police sources, the SIT is completing the legal formalities required to invoke the stringent anti-organised crime law. Five accused have been arrested in connection with the murder.
The investigation has revealed that the accused allegedly planned the murder, conducted reconnaissance (recce) and arranged firearms, other weapons and vehicles for the attack. Investigators have also found evidence suggesting that the accused received firearms training, although it remains unclear whether anyone else helped them prepare for the killing.
According to officials, the first accused, Subhash Shinde alias Papya Shinde, has 11 cases registered against him, including those related to intimidation, assault, grievous hurt and unlawful assembly. The second accused, Nitesh Pawar alias Bhawad, has cases registered against him, including attempted murder and murder. The third accused, Santosh Kanojia alias Talli, has two non-cognisable cases registered against him, while no previous criminal cases have been reported against the other two accused, Nikhil Yadav and Amit Singh alias Paplu.
In a recent development, police have reportedly traced the source of two country-made pistols allegedly used in the attack to Uttar Pradesh, where they were purchased for Rs 15,000 each. The choppers allegedly used in the crime were reportedly procured from Mumbai's Chor Bazaar for a total of around Rs 200 to Rs 250.
According to reports, police have seized two pistols, two choppers, a mobile phone and a four-wheeler allegedly linked to the crime. The investigation into the weapons trail and the role of those who allegedly arranged them is still underway.
Rajendra Shinde, husband of former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde, was questioned for the seventh time on Friday, October 23, by the Thane Crime Branch's Anti-Extortion Squad. He was reportedly questioned for around six hours before being allowed to leave.
The questioning follows allegations made by Purnekar's son, Ram, who claimed at a press conference that he had videos purportedly showing Rajendra Shinde teaching one of the accused how to handle and fire a gun. Ram also alleged that Shinde could be the person wearing a helmet who was seen in CCTV footage from the night of the murder. These allegations have not been confirmed by investigators.
Police sources have indicated that the SIT may visit Mulshi in Pune district to gather information about the purported firearms-training video.
The investigation is also examining why three CCTV cameras at Purnekar's office were switched off at the time of the attack, leaving the police without footage that could have captured the killing.
Purnekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) division head in Thane, was shot and stabbed at his office in the Manpada area on September 29. The SIT is continuing to investigate the motive, the alleged conspiracy and whether others were involved in planning or executing the murder.
