Maharashtra CM Promises Justice for Slain Shiv Sena Functionary
Devendra Fadnavis assures support to the family of Pradeep Purnekar, who was murdered on September 30.
Pradeep Purnekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, was killed on September 30.
CM Devendra Fadnavis met Purnekar's son, assuring him of justice.
The family demands the expulsion of Meenakshi Shinde from the party.
In a significant political gesture, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with the family of Pradeep Purnekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary who was brutally murdered on September 30. Purnekar was attacked with a chopper and shot at his office in Manpada, Thane. During a Navratri event at Ghodbunder, Fadnavis expressed his commitment to ensuring justice for the bereaved family, stating, "I will not let injustice happen to your father. I will stand with you," as conveyed by BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar.
The meeting took place shortly after Fadnavis visited another Navratri pandal alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Ram Purnekar, the victim's son, expressed hope following the encounter, stating that the Chief Minister had assured him of his support and promised to follow up. This assurance comes amid rising tensions and demands for accountability in the wake of Purnekar's death.
Adding to the political dynamics, cabinet minister Pratap Sarnaik visited the Purnekar family the following day, reinforcing the Shiv Sena's support. Sarnaik, representing Eknath Shinde, emphasized that there is no political pressure on the police and offered to arrange a legal team for the family. He noted his long-standing relationship with the Purnekars and indicated that Shinde might visit them soon.
Despite these assurances, the Purnekar family has called for the expulsion of Meenakshi Shinde from the Shiv Sena, arguing that this step is crucial for achieving justice for Pradeep Purnekar. The family believes that addressing the alleged involvement of Meenakshi and her husband, Rajendra, is essential to the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Thane police have summoned Rajendra Shinde for questioning for the third time this week, following an extensive nine-hour interrogation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Meenakshi Shinde has publicly stated that her family is being unfairly implicated in the case and has expressed her willingness to cooperate with the police investigation.
