Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar dies after unidentified assailants open fire

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar died during treatment after unidentified attackers allegedly shot at him twice and assaulted him in Maharashtra's Thane city on Tuesday night, police said.

A leader of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said Purnekar served as the Thane 'vibhag pramukh', or division head.

The attack took place around 9 pm under the jurisdiction of Kapurbawdi police station, police said. The incident led to tension in the area and caused concern among local party workers and supporters.

Purnekar was taken to Infinity Hospital near R Mall on Ghodbunder Road following the attack, where doctors provided emergency treatment, police said. He had sustained serious bullet injuries and later died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams reached the spot after being alerted and secured the area while collecting forensic evidence.

Investigators are examining CCTV recordings from the location and nearby arterial roads to track the suspected attackers' escape route. Checkpoints, or 'nakabandi', have also been established at major exits across Thane as police search for the suspects.

The motive behind the attack has not yet been established, police said. Authorities are examining various possibilities, including political rivalry and personal enmity.

Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have called for the immediate arrest of those responsible and a swift investigation.  (with inputs from PTI)