Thane police confirmed a formal arrest in the killing of Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Pradeep Purnekar, as his family and supporters gathered outside Kapurbawdi police station on September 30 to demand further arrests. The development follows earlier reports that two suspects had been detained for questioning.
Loksatta's September 30 report identified the arrested man as Papya Shinde. Joint commissioner Dnyaneshwar Chavan said officers were searching for four other accused. Police allege that Shinde, an acquaintance of Purnekar, was involved in a conspiracy; the allegation has not been established in a trial.
The Free Press Journal reported that relatives initially refused to proceed with the last rites until those involved were arrested. Police said several teams were pursuing the investigation and that political, personal and financial possibilities would all be examined. The available accounts do not establish a proven political motive.
Purnekar died after the September 29 attack near his office in Manpada. This update concerns the subsequent formal arrest and September 30 protest, rather than a new attack. The reports reviewed did not contain the arrested man's response or a court decision determining his responsibility.