Politics · India Bureau
Shiv Sena (UBT) division chief shot dead in Thane
Purnekar, who headed the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction's Thane division, was killed by unidentified assailants in a firing incident. The attack marks a concerning escalation of political violence in Maharashtra.
LSN India ·
A senior functionary of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) was shot dead in Thane on Monday, officials confirmed. Purnekar served as vibhag pramukh, or division head, of the regional outfit's Thane unit before his death at the hands of unidentified gunmen.
The incident occurred as tensions persist between rival factions within the Shiv Sena following its 2022 split. Uddhav Thackeray's faction, which retained the Sena (UBT) designation, has faced ongoing disputes with the Eknath Shinde-led breakaway group that claims the original party name.
Police have launched an investigation into the shooting and are working to identify the assailants. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, though political rivalry has been cited as a possible factor in similar incidents across Maharashtra in recent months.
The death has prompted renewed concerns about political safety in the state, with party leaders calling for enhanced security measures. Shiv Sena (UBT) representatives have condemned the killing and demanded swift action from law enforcement authorities.