Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 30: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Thane on Tuesday night, prompting his party colleague Anand Dubey to question the Maharashtra government's handling of law and order.

Purnekar, who served as a division head of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), was attacked around 9 pm in the Manpada-Ganesh Nagar area under the jurisdiction of Kapurbawdi police station. The attackers allegedly fired two rounds before fleeing the spot. Purnekar sustained serious bullet injuries and died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

Following the incident, police cordoned off the area and began collecting forensic evidence. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the scene and surrounding roads, while checkpoints have been set up at major exit points in Thane to trace the suspects. Multiple teams have been deployed as the investigation continues.

The motive behind the killing has not yet been established. Police are investigating various possibilities, including political rivalry and personal enmity. Two suspects have reportedly been detained, while police are searching for additional persons allegedly involved in the attack.

Reacting to the killing, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey questioned the state government's handling of law and order. In a video message, he referred to recent crimes in different cities and asked whether criminals still feared the government.

Dubey also questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the situation, asking whether the state government was paying sufficient attention to law and order. His remarks were made in the wake of the killing of Purnekar, whose death has triggered concern among party workers and supporters.

Police have registered a case and are continuing efforts to identify the assailants and establish the circumstances and motive behind the killing.