The shocking hostage situation that gripped Mumbai’s Powai area was not a spur-of-the-moment act, but a carefully orchestrated plan by short filmmaker Rohit Aarrya. Aarrya held 17 teenagers captive in a studio, falsely promising them a role in a web series. The ordeal concluded dramatically within hours after a police shootout, which resulted in Aarrya’s death, ensuring the safe rescue of all hostages.
However, Aarrya had taken extensive measures to prepare for a potentially longer siege.
The Detailed Planning Behind the Hostage Crisis
Early Preparations: Aarrya began the ‘shooting’ on October 26th, having invited the teenagers for auditions the previous week. For three days, everything appeared normal. Then, on Tuesday, he began covering the studio windows with black paper, citing sunlight interference with the shoot. This move was noted by the grandmother of one of the young hostages and confirmed by Sachin Jadhav, whose daughter and mother-in-law were among those held captive.
Aarrya had also been in contact with Marathi actors to discuss potential film projects, indicating a broader engagement in the film industry.
Stockpiled Resources for a Standoff: Investigations revealed that Aarrya had transformed the studio into a secure trap. He had proactively stockpiled food supplies, anticipating a prolonged hostage scenario. Additionally, he arranged for the repair of a broken studio door latch and installed motion sensors to detect any unauthorized entry.
Advanced Surveillance: Aarrya had strategically installed CCTV cameras at various points within the studio, allowing him to monitor the feed live on his smartphone.
The ‘Anti-Corruption Film’ Deception: To mislead everyone, Aarrya presented the operation as a film shoot. He informed the children and his assistant, Rohan Raj Aher (who was also taken hostage), that he was producing a film about children rebelling against corruption, which included a kidnapping scene.
Aher, who had previously worked with Aarrya, recounted being told about the kidnapping scene requirement. He stated, “I had worked with Aarrya, off and on, since 2012. We were out of touch, when he called me recently and offered me this assignment. He told me he wanted to make a short film on children’s rebellion against corruption and there was a scene in which children would be kidnapped.”
Authorities mentioned that Aarrya had initially told the parents that he was shooting a kidnapping scene, even using tape on the children’s faces. However, when the children didn’t come for lunch and expressed hunger, Aarrya sent a video to a parent, declaring he had taken them hostage.
Aher also revealed that Aarrya had requested an extension for the studio booking, claiming the children needed additional acting lessons.
Assistant Recruited for Risky Tasks: Aher reported that Aarrya had instructed him to procure five liters of petrol and firecrackers, substances Aarrya had stored within the studio. During police reconstruction of the crime scene, Aher described how Aarrya had spread flammable material on the studio floor. Trapped below, Aher attempted to break into the studio but was threatened by Aarrya with an air gun. He also noticed Aarrya had prepared a cloth soaked in rubber solution, commonly used to start fires, and kept four children nearby, threatening to ignite it with a lighter.
Ultimately, Aher’s cooperation with the police was crucial in the rescue operation. During the ensuing confrontation, Aarrya was shot by the police, leading to his death.
(With inputs from Vinay Dalvi)