Home / Author / Kaptan Mali

Kaptan Mali

Kaptan Mali is a Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times, Mumbai, covering crime, civic affairs, politics, transport, business and human-interest stories across Thane district. With over 20 years of journalism experience, he has previously worked with The Afternoon, The Asian Age and The Free Press Journal, covering Maharashtra politics, Mumbai city and business. He has a keen interest in current affairs, agriculture, food, tourism and healthcare.

Articles by Kaptan Mali

Purnekar supporters allege custodial torture, police chief orders probe

Thane: Residents of Kasarvadavali village participate in a candle march on Ghodbunder Road, in Thane, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. The demonstration was organized in support of the family of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Pradeep Purnekar, seeking swift justice following his murder on September 29. (PTI Photo)(PTI10_30_2026_000415A) (PTI)

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 31, 2026 02:19 IST

4 foreign nationals arrested with MD worth ₹1.5 cr in Mumbra

4 foreign nationals arrested with MD worth <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1.5 cr in Mumbra

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 31, 2026 02:01 IST

7-hour blockade on Ghodbunder Road leaves thousands stranded overnight

The blockade began around 10 pm on Tuesday, with protesters occupying Ghodbunder Road at several locations, including Majiwada, Balkum, Manpada and Mulla Baug. (Praful Gangurde/HT Photo)

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 29, 2026 02:26 IST

Slain Sena UBT leader’s son detained while on the way to protest at Shinde’s residence

Ram Purnekar, son of Pradeep Purnekar , went to protest outside the Thane residence of Deputy Chief Minister and Thane District Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde, alleging delays in the investigation into his father's murder case.

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 28, 2026 03:02 IST

Purnekar’s family claim husband of Thane ex-mayor was with accused before murder

Pradeep Purnekar’s son, Ram Purnekar, held a press conference presenting what he claimed to be videos and photos directly linking Rajendra Shinde to the murder. (Praful Gangurde/HT Photo)

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 27, 2026 03:11 IST

Thane plans water measures amid 50 MLD daily deficit

Thane, India - October -25, 2026: With a likely El Nino effect raising fears of a water shortage over the coming year, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has started preparing a micro-level water plan for the next nine to 10 months. The plan includes a crackdown on illegal tap connections and the plumbers behind them, the transfer of valve operators, GPS tracking of water tankers, a halt on civic water for big infrastructure projects such as the Metro and for car wash centres, and the revival of public wells. Thane currently faces a daily shortfall of 50 MLD, as it receives only 590 MLD against a demand of 640 MLD. ,in Thane ,in Mumbai, India, on, Sunday, October -25, 2026. ( photo Praful Gangurde / Hindustan Times ) (Praful Gangurde)

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 26, 2026 02:13 IST

Job seekers’ bank accounts used to run online betting racket; 10 arrested in Goregaon

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 24, 2026 02:13 IST

Mercedes with ‘MLA’ sticker mows down Kalyan man on morning walk; 23-year-old driver arrested

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 24, 2026 02:12 IST

23 booked for obstructing, manhandling cops probing garba sword scare in Titwala

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 23, 2026 02:16 IST

26-year-old stabbed to death over scuffle at Garba event in Thane

The October 18 altercation began at a Garba event when the victim’s 15-year-old brother allegedly got into an argument with the prime accused.

pune news

Updated on Oct 22, 2026 03:59 IST

Ex-Dombivali resident arrested in 28-year-old murder case

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 21, 2026 02:17 IST

28-yr-old hacked to death, friend hurt in Badlapur over business dispute

The deceased, Ganesh Yadav, and his friend Abu Halal Shaikh, both slab contractors, were sitting near the Shiv Sena shakha at Mhatre Garden in Rameshwadi when the group allegedly attacked them.

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 21, 2026 02:49 IST

Man killed over vulgar remarks about accused’s sister, two held

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 19, 2026 02:00 IST

Cab driver stabbed to death after row over bike collision in Kalyan

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 19, 2026 02:00 IST

Teens kill classmate for gold chain, fund birthday party, bike in Thane: Cops

This is the spot where the accused allegedly murdered the victim and attempted to burn the body.

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 17, 2026 04:23 IST

3 arrested for social activist’s murder in Ulhasnagar

The Vitthalwadi police have arrested three men for the brutal murder of social activist Harish Gajwani outside Ulhasnagar railway station on Wednesday evening.

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 16, 2026 02:03 IST

YouTuber who exposed local crime shot dead outside Ulhasnagar railway station

At the time of going to press, the Vitthalwadi police were registering an FIR against unidentified persons in connection with the incident. According to police, the incident took place at 8:30pm on Wednesday.

india news

Updated on Oct 15, 2026 03:55 IST

SIT probing Purnekar murder questions former mayor’s husband

On Tuesday, Pappya Shinde was produced before a Thane court as his police custody came to an end, and was remanded in judicial custody (Praful Gangurde/HT Photo)

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 14, 2026 02:15 IST

'Snatched from mother, planned to sell': 25-day-old baby kidnapped in Thane, rescued

The police used CCTV footage to trace Soni Ganesh. During questioning, she told the police that she had handed over the infant to Rukhsar Farookh Sheikh, a Dharavi resident.

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 13, 2026 03:38 IST

Man kills father over alleged relationship with wife

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 12, 2026 02:03 IST

2 absconding accused in Purnekar murder case arrested in UP

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 12, 2026 02:03 IST

Pradeep Purnekar murder: SIT recovers pistol, mobile phone from Raigad

On Tuesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former Leader of the Opposition in the legislative council Ambadas Danve (in white kurta pyjama) visited the Purnekar family at their residence to offer his condolences. He assured the family that the accused would face strict punishment (Praful Gangurde/HT Photo)

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 7, 2026 06:38 IST

Facing severe shortage, TMC seeks 50 MLD water from BMC

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 7, 2026 02:20 IST

Slain UBT leader's kin calls for probe into dealings between accused, ex-mayor’s husband

Ram Purnekar ( white Shirt ) Son of late Pradeep Purnekar.

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 6, 2026 06:36 IST

Hundreds of residents protest Thane Ring Metro project over tree loss, displacement and alignment concerns

Thane, India - October -04, 2026: The new Thane Integral Ring Metro project has been initiated in Thane, and soil testing is currently underway. However, residents living in areas along the proposed metro route have raised objections to the project for several reasons. The residents have expressed concerns regarding: Loss of privacy for residents living along the proposed route. Environmental damage due to the construction of the metro corridor. Noise pollution and other forms of pollution that may be caused by the project. Therefore, on Sunday, residents of Patlipada and Hiranandani Estate in Thane staged a protest demanding that the proposed route of the Thane Integral Ring Metro be redesigned and relocated to address their concerns. ,in Thane ,in Mumbai, India, on, Sunday, October -04, 2026. ( photo by Praful Gangurde / Hindustan Times ) (Praful Gangurde)

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 5, 2026 02:14 IST

160-acre redevelopment project may be linked to Purnekar murder: Naik

Purnekar’s family has alleged that former Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband, Rajendra Shinde, both associated with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, were behind his murder (HT Photo)

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 3, 2026 02:22 IST

SIT to investigate Pradeep Purnekar murder case

Vijeta Purnekar, widow of the deceased Pradeep Punekar, grieves at their home in Thane, holding a photograph of her husband, who was shot dead. (Praful Gangurde / Hindustan Times)

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 2, 2026 02:32 IST

1 arrested, 4 booked for murder of Shiv Sena UBT leader Pradeep Purnekar in Mumbai

Hundreds of supporters of Pradeep Purnekar gathered outside the Kapurbawdi police station on Wednesday, demanding action against the accused.

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 1, 2026 04:47 IST

Former aide held in Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar’s murder

mumbai news

Updated on Oct 1, 2026 02:28 IST

“Need to recover pistol, phone”: Court rejects ex-BJP MLA’s pre-arrest bail plea in gang-rape case

mumbai news

Updated on Sep 29, 2026 02:21 IST