SEO_DESC: Family of slain Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar demands justice from CM Fadnavis and DyCM Shinde following his fatal shooting in Thane.

TAGS: India News, Thane, Crime News, Maharashtra News

“We deserve justice”: Family of slain Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Purnekar appeals to CM

The family of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar, who was brutally shot dead by unidentified assailants in Thane, has issued a desperate plea for justice to Maharashtra's top leadership. Speaking to the media, the victim's father-in-law, Sanjay Khangde, appealed directly to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to ensure the culprits are brought to heel.

A Plea for Justice and Law and Order

Sanjay Khangde expressed deep anguish over the rising tide of violence in the region. "I would simply say that we deserve justice. I would appeal to Fadnavis-sahab and Eknath-ji Shinde. There is so much crime happening these days. Even boys as young as 15 or 16 are roaming around carrying knives and daggers," Khangde stated.

Recalling the harrowing moment he learned of the tragedy, Khangde described receiving a frantic call from his daughter at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, informing him of the attack. Shortly after, news reports confirmed the passing of Pradeep Purnekar. Khangde also issued a heartfelt plea to the youth, urging them to resolve conflicts peacefully to avoid destroying their families through criminal actions.

Family Refuses Last Rites Until Arrests Made

The grief in the Purnekar household is matched by a fierce determination to see the killers behind bars. Pradeep's brother, Jainath, has taken a hardline stance regarding the funeral proceedings.

"The last rites will be performed when the culprits are caught. Until they are caught, we will not," Jainath declared, making it clear that the family will not find peace until the perpetrators are in custody.

Political Fallout and Allegations of Conflict

The assassination has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut described the killing as a tragic loss, calling Purnekar a "staunch and loyal Shiv Sainik." However, Raut did not mince words regarding the state of law and order in Thane, demanding accountability from the police administration.

Raut further alleged that Purnekar was involved in several high-stakes conflicts, including:

• Political Rivalries: Alleged tensions with Meenakshi Shinde following election results.
• Development Issues: Conflicts involving the builder lobby and cluster development schemes.
• Drug Racket: Allegations that Purnekar had lodged complaints against a drug racket supported by the Shinde faction.

Eyewitness Describes Terrifying Moments

The chilling details of the assassination were provided by Renu Prajapati, a local shopkeeper whose stall is located next to Purnekar’s office. Initially mistaking the sound of gunshots for a short circuit, she described a scene of sudden chaos.

“I heard loud thud sounds twice... I saw 4 to 5 people come out from Dada's office,” Prajapati recounted. She initially thought a electrical accident had occurred and tried to usher her daughter to safety. However, the reality set in when she saw individuals wielding weapons and fleeing on motorcycles.

“I didn't realize the gravity of the incident until I heard people shouting 'Balu dada'. When I looked down... I saw whole blood was pouring,” she added, describing the horrific aftermath of the shooting in the Manpada area.