Thane: The investigation into the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) Manpada division chief Pradeep Purnekar has intensified, with Thane Crime Branch focusing on recovering the weapons allegedly used in the crime and extracting crucial information from the three arrested accused.According to police, investigations indicate that Purnekar was shot with a 7.65mm firearm, which is suspected to be a country-made, and a sharp-edged weapon, believed to be a chopper, at his office in Manpada on Sept 30. Investigators suspect that the weapons may have been kept in the car of an accused who is currently absconding.The recovery of both weapons is considered important for establishing the exact sequence of the attack and corroborating the evidence collected during the probe.Crime Branch has been questioning the accused as part of its efforts to establish the motive, identify the role played by each accused and determine whether others were involved in the planning or execution of the murder.Police also questioned Purnekar’s son, Ram, till late Saturday night. Sources said Ram provided investigators with information regarding certain suspected evidence that could be relevant to the investigation.Meanwhile, investigators recorded the statement of a witness who was present near the Shiv Sena (UBT) office around the time of the murder.Police said the accused have not been cooperating with the investigation and have been reluctant to disclose crucial information.
