Overview
- The killing of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar on September 29 prompted a Special Investigation Team to arrest five suspects who are being interrogated while police work to establish a clear motive.
- Supporters staged large protests after police detained Purnekar’s son as he tried to march to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s residence, and the blockade of Ghodbunder Road on Tuesday night saw tyres burned and thousands of commuters left stranded.
- Police cleared the road in the early hours using lathicharge, officials said some protesters hurled stones, two officers were injured, multiple FIRs were registered and scores of people were detained and named as accused.
- The victim’s family has publicly accused former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband, Meenakshi was questioned by investigators, senior Shiv Sena leaders have called for her to step down, and rival party members have filed counter‑complaints.
- Authorities have tightened security across Thane, investigators are conducting technical and forensic analysis and may summon more people for questioning, and the protests caused wider traffic spillovers including a reported fatality on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Highway.