Thane, Sept. 30 -- Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction leader Pradeep Purnekar was shot dead by unidentified bike-borne assailants in the Manpada-Ganesh Nagar area of Thane late on Tuesday night.

According to police, the incident took place around 9:30 pm in front of Purnekar's office, where unidentified attackers allegedly opened fire at him before fleeing from the spot.

Purnekar sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest and succumbed to his injuries, officials said. His body is being sent to JJ Hospital in Mumbai for post-mortem examination.

Following the incident, police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify the accused.

The party workers ...