30 September,2026 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday criticised the Maharashtra government over the killing of party functionary Pradeep Purnekar in Thane, questioning the law-and-order situation in the city and demanding action against the police administration.
Purnekar, a local Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and city division head, died after unidentified persons allegedly shot and assaulted him within the jurisdiction of the Kapurbawdi police station at around 9 pm on Tuesday. The incident triggered tension in the area.
The police said the motive behind the attack had not yet been established and that all possible angles, including political rivalry and personal enmity, were being investigated. Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have called for the immediate arrest of those responsible and a swift investigation.
Raut described Purnekar as a "staunch and loyal Shiv Sainik" and called his killing unfortunate. He alleged that Purnekar had been involved in a political conflict with Meenakshi Shinde following an election defeat and had been raising issues involving the builder lobby and cluster development.
Raut also alleged that Purnekar had complained about a drug racket in the area and claimed that his opposition to such activities had made him a target.
"Purnekar was engaged in a political conflict with Meenakshi Shinde following the election defeat. He was fighting against the builder lobby and issues related to the cluster development scheme. The Shinde faction supported a drug racket, against which Purnekar had lodged complaints," Raut said.
Raut also targeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, over the incident. He described the killing as a "disgrace" for the state Home Department and questioned the functioning of the police administration in Thane.
"He was murdered just as his voice began to reach the people. Fadnavis should be ashamed of this. A young activist has been killed; do the government and the Police Commissioner feel no shame? The Police Commissioner should be dismissed. The same police officer has been in charge for 12 years. The Police Commissioner is acting like a domestic servant for the Guardian Minister. The real culprits are members of the Shinde faction, Meenakshi Shinde, and her family. The Home Minister has no control over Thane. Thane used to be a city of litterateurs; today, it has become a city of criminals. What is the City Police Commissioner doing - waiting for orders from 'Nandanvan'?" Raut added.
Raut had earlier posted on X that Purnekar had been consistently raising his voice against the builder lobby and alleged drug networks in the Manorama Nagar area.
"Thane has become a safe haven for criminals and drug mafias. This is Devendra Fadnavis's failure, and the future of Thane's citizens has been pushed into darkness. Pradeep Purnekar's sacrifice will not be allowed to go in vain!" Raut said in the post.
The killing has prompted demands from Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders for the prompt identification and arrest of the attackers. Police are examining the circumstances leading up to the assault and are probing multiple possible motives.
