Overview
- Pradeep Purnekar, the Shiv Sena (UBT) ward chief in Manpada, was killed on September 29 in Thane after attackers fired about six rounds, two of which hit him, and then assaulted him with a chopper.
- Two suspects — Santosh Kanojia (Talli) and Amit Singh (Paplu) — were arrested in Prayagraj on October 9 in a joint operation by Thane Police and the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force and were brought to Thane for questioning.
- Police say five people have been arrested in the case so far as investigators continue to piece together who planned and carried out the attack.
- On Friday, Ram Purnekar met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during Navratri events in Thane, submitted a formal memorandum seeking justice, and received a public assurance that the state will pursue the case.
- The killing has raised local political tension because Purnekar belonged to the Uddhav Thackeray‑led Shiv Sena (UBT), several BJP and civic leaders attended the CM meeting, and authorities say the next steps will focus on clarifying motive, linking suspects to organisers, and formal charges.