Thane: Maharashtra Transport Minister and senior Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday, October 28, said former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde should resign on moral grounds until the investigation into the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar is completed, triggering fresh political tensions amid protests and allegations of political interference.

Clarifying that it was his personal opinion, Sarnaik said he had already conveyed his views to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena faction to which both Sarnaik and Meenakshi Shinde belong.

The controversy intensified after hundreds of Purnekar’s supporters blocked Ghodbunder Road and burnt tyres, causing a massive traffic jam that stranded commuters for hours. The protest followed the detention of Purnekar’s son, Ram, on Tuesday, October 27, while he attempted to march towards Eknath Shinde’s residence. Ram has demanded the arrest of Meenakshi Shinde and her husband, Rajendra Shinde, in connection with his father’s murder on September 29.

At a joint press conference, Sarnaik and Thane MP Naresh Mhaske accused opposition parties of politicising the case to target Eknath Shinde. Mhaske warned, “If opposition figures continue to maliciously target Eknath Shinde and create chaos in Thane, we will not allow them to return safely from Thane.”

Meanwhile, police assured that the investigation would remain impartial. Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Punjabrao Ugale said, “We are conducting a comprehensive, transparent, and legally sound investigation into all aspects of the case, and no individual will be shielded regardless of their stature.”

Ugale said investigators were examining video clips, photographs and other evidence, while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was working to establish the motive before filing the chargesheet. He confirmed that Meenakshi and Rajendra Shinde were also being questioned.

Meenakshi appeared before the Anti-Extortion Cell on October 27, saying, “I am cooperating fully with the police.” Purnekar’s family, however, has alleged that investigators are facing intense political pressure.