During the tense hostage situation at a recording studio in Mumbai, the police sought assistance from former Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar as they negotiated with the accused, Rohit Arya. Officials revealed on Monday that the politician’s statement might be recorded as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
The Crime Branch officials indicated they would be recording statements from all parties involved in the case. This includes the senior inspector from the Powai police station and a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) who were actively involved in the negotiations with Arya. An official confirmed that Kesarkar’s statement could also be taken, and the Crime Branch is in the process of recording statements from celebrities and actors who were present at the Powai studio for an “audition” during the incident.
Mr. Kesarkar was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Rohit Arya, who was fatally shot by police during the rescue operation on Thursday. Authorities confirmed that on the day of the incident, upon learning of Arya’s desire to speak with Kesarkar, the negotiating officers contacted the former minister.
The entire ordeal unfolded at the R A Studio in the Mahavir Classic building in Powai between 1:30 PM and 5:15 PM on Thursday. The operation successfully led to the rescue of all hostages and resulted in the death of Arya, aged 50. He sustained a bullet injury during the police action and was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Initial reports suggest Arya may have planned the ‘operation’ in advance, possibly due to alleged outstanding dues from the Maharashtra education department for a project, a claim that the government has refuted.
According to a government resolution from the School Education department dated January 25, 2024, Arya was associated with Project Let’s Change as its director. This project ran the Swachhta Monitor initiative, which involved school students promoting cleanliness and discouraging littering from July 20 to October 2, 2023. The initiative saw participation from approximately 64,000 schools and 59 lakh students.
Police sources state that Arya had been conducting “auditions” for a ‘web series’ for six days prior to October 30. Children were reportedly admitted to the studio at 10 AM and remained until 8 PM, with a lunch break included.
A magisterial inquiry has been launched into Arya’s death, as per legal mandates and Supreme Court rulings, a senior officer stated. The decision to forcibly enter the studio was made after a two-hour attempt to persuade Arya to release the hostages proved unsuccessful.
Police accounts indicate that Arya initiated the confrontation by firing his air gun first, which prompted a police officer to return fire in self-defense.