Thane (Maharashtra) [India], September 30 : Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Wednesday questioned the Maharashtra government over the state’s law and order situation following the killing of party leader Pradeep Purnekar in Thane, asking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis whether the government was paying attention to the state.
Purnekar, a local leader of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Manpada area of Thane on Tuesday night. Police said the attackers opened fire at him and fled the spot. Purnekar was rushed to a hospital, where he died during treatment.
Reacting to the killing, Dubey in a video message said, “What has happened in Maharashtra? So many criminals, so many mafias, so many killers are roaming around freely, we cannot tell you.”
Referring to incidents in several cities, Dubey said, “Whether it is Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Mumbai and now in Thane, last night, our party Shiv Sena UBT’s a good leader, was shot dead.”
He questioned whether criminals still feared the state government and alleged that the incident raised questions over law and order.
“Is there no fear of the government among the criminals? Has the law and order completely collapsed? Are we moving towards jungle raj?” Dubey said.
Questioning Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he asked, “Respected Devendra Fadnavis ji, do you have attention on the state or not?”
Following the shooting, party workers and local residents gathered in the area. Police cordoned off the site and launched an investigation to identify the assailants and ascertain the motive behind the attack. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and questioning people to identify the assailants.
Multiple police teams have been deployed, and checkpoints were reportedly set up across major exits in Thane.
The motive behind the killing has not yet been established, with police investigating multiple possible angles.
Further details awaited.