Raut claims Purnekar was 'silenced' for fighting Thane mafia
Sanjay Raut claims Shiv Sena UBT leader Pradeep Purnekar was targeted for fighting the drug mafia and builder lobby in Thane.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut has leveled serious allegations regarding the murder of party leader Pradeep Purnekar, suggesting the veteran worker was "silenced" due to his crusade against powerful local interests in Thane. Speaking to the media, Raut claimed that Purnekar’s opposition to the drug mafia, local goons, and the builder lobby made him a target.
Allegations of a targeted killing
Raut described Purnekar as a fiercely loyal worker who refused to back down from challenging illegal networks. According to the MP, the motive behind the brutal attack was directly linked to the issues Purnekar was raising in the region.
"Seven rounds were fired at him... He was murdered and was brutally beaten. He was a very loyal person to us. He had been fighting against the local drug mafia. He stood up against the goons of the Shinde faction and fought against the builder lobby. According to us, that is why he was silenced," Raut stated.
Gaps in the FIR and missing names
The MP raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing police investigation and the contents of the First Information Report (FIR). He alleged that crucial details and potential suspects have been omitted from the official document.
Raut pointed out several discrepancies, including:
- The Eyewitness: He claimed that Purnekar’s son, Ram, was a firsthand witness to the incident, yet his name has not been included in the FIR.
- The Alleged Masterminds: Raut alleged that former mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband Rajendra Shinde—whom he identified as the "main mastermind"—have also been left out of the FIR.
In response to these omissions, Raut noted that Shiv Sena (UBT) workers have met with police officials to demand that these names be added to the investigation. He mentioned that the police have provided assurances that action will be taken.
The fatal attack in Thane
The violent incident occurred on Tuesday night around 9:30 pm in the Manpada-Ganesh Nagar area of Thane. Unidentified assailants on a motorcycle approached Purnekar outside his office and opened fire before making their escape.
Purnekar sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. The police are currently working to identify the attackers and establish a clear motive for the shooting.
Family demands justice
The victim's family is demanding immediate accountability. Purnekar's brother, Jainath, stated that the family will not proceed with the last rites until the perpetrators are behind bars. Meanwhile, Purnekar's father-in-law, Sanjay Khangde, has appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to intervene and address the rising crime in the area to ensure justice is served.