Daijiworld Media Network - Thane
Thane, Oct 30: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has accused former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband Rajendra Shinde of allegedly conspiring to murder party worker Pradeep Purnekar, claiming that the killing was carried out through a chain of hired assailants and that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was aware of the conspiracy.
Speaking to the media, Raut alleged that Meenakshi Shinde had given the contract for the murder to her husband, who subsequently passed it on to others. He claimed that the couple were the main conspirators and said the police and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) were aware of the alleged conspiracy.
Raut further claimed that all the accused had met Rajendra Shinde about an hour before Purnekar was murdered. He questioned why the police had not taken action against the Shinde couple despite the alleged evidence and asked whom the police commissioner was trying to protect.
Raut said Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders had submitted evidence to the Thane police commissioner on Thursday and claimed that the material had convinced the police chief about the alleged involvement of Meenakshi and Rajendra Shinde. He questioned why they had not been arrested if the evidence was sufficient.
Warning of political consequences, Raut said the failure to act against those allegedly responsible would expose the weakness of the state government and its Home Department. He said the upcoming legislature session and Parliament proceedings would bring further pressure on the government to act, adding that the issue could have serious consequences for the police commissioner and the state Home Minister.
Raut also accused the ruling establishment of attempting to suppress the voices of political workers and the victim's family. Referring to the protest over the murder, he alleged that the authorities had tried to prevent the agitation rather than examine the evidence and address the family's demands.
He said Purnekar's son had attempted to visit the residence of Thane guardian minister Eknath Shinde to submit a representation and explain the family's concerns, but was allegedly dragged away by the police. Raut said the incident reflected a lack of sensitivity towards the family, which was seeking justice for the murdered party worker.
Raut further said that Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Aaditya Thackeray, along with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena representatives, had met police officials during the protest. He maintained that the gathering was not a political procession but an effort to demand the arrest of those suspected of involvement in the murder.
The allegations come amid an ongoing SIT investigation into Purnekar's killing on September 29. Police have arrested five accused so far, while Meenakshi and Rajendra Shinde have been questioned in connection with the case. Purnekar's family has also alleged that the couple were behind the murder, while the allegations against them remain unproven.
Meenakshi Shinde resigned as the Shiv Sena's Thane district women's wing chief on Thursday amid the controversy. In her resignation letter, she reportedly maintained that the allegations against her were part of an attempt to target the party leadership. She has previously denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
The SIT is continuing its investigation, with the police examining evidence, including CCTV footage and other material, to establish the circumstances and motive behind the murder.