Turmoil erupted in Mumbai's Powai area on Thursday when cries emerged from the AR Studio, with children seen banging a window, pleading for help. Rohit Arya, a disgruntled individual, had taken 19 people, including 17 auditioning children, hostage. Despite audacious efforts by the Mumbai police to negotiate, he stood his ground for over two hours.
How the Situation Unfolded
Rohit Arya arrived at the AR Studio at noon.
By 12:30 PM, children had gathered in the hall for auditions.
At 1 PM, Rohit barricaded the doors, holding everyone hostage.
By 1:15 PM, the children's desperate cries echoed through the window panes.
At 1:30 PM, the police arrived and initiated dialogue.
Rohit's Standoff with the Police
For two hours, senior police officials pleaded with Rohit to release the children, assuring him that his grievances would be addressed. However, sources state that Rohit repeated, 'If my demands aren't met, I'll set them on fire.'
The Fire Brigade-Backed Operation Begins
At about 3:30 PM, the police called for the fire brigade.
By 3:45 PM, the Mumbai Fire Brigade team arrived, equipped for action.
At 3:50 PM, they shattered a bathroom window, providing police access to the studio's interior.
Three officers from Mumbai Police's Quick Response Team (QRT) entered through this window.
Upon entry, Rohit confronted them with an airgun, firing shots. Mistaking it for a real gun, one inspector returned fire, striking Rohit in the chest.
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A 10-Minute Tactical Resolution
By 4:00 PM, Rohit had fallen after being shot.
At 4:10 PM, police rushed him to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
By 4:30 PM, all 17 children were safely evacuated.
Source: aajtak
Rohit Arya's Anger Explained
Historical records indicate Rohit accused the Maharashtra government of stealing his concept and film. He claimed the Maajhi Shaala, Sundar Shaala project was derived from his film 'Let's Change'. He received neither credit nor the settled Rs. 2 crore dues.
The Protest Path Rohit Took
Rohit alleged that the government utilized his idea, script, and rights without giving him due credit or payment. He argued, 'They used me and then denied my existence.'
Rohit staged several protests against the education department and former minister Deepak Kesarkar, even going on a hunger strike for a month. Reports suggest the minister promised to meet his demands, but Joint Secretary Mahajan postponed the file citing procedural investigations.
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Previously, Rohit had remarked, 'If I don't get justice, my death will be on the hands of former Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, among others.'
Weapons and Chemicals Found
Persistent mental strain reportedly led Rohit into depression. Police discovered an airgun and several chemical substances in his possession. Though shot during the operation, he succumbed despite immediate medical aid.
The Extensive Precautions Rohit Took
Rohit Arya had strategically placed sensors at windows and doors to deter police entry and turned all CCTV cameras in one direction to prevent surveillance revelations. After apprehending him via the bathroom entry, police deactivated these sensors.
The Ongoing Investigation
The Mumbai Police has launched an inquiry into the encounter. They're exploring how Rohit gathered children under the pretense of auditions and brought a faux weapon into the studio. According to the fire brigade, 'We only facilitated access, while the operation was entirely a police endeavor.'
Rohit's Video Evidence
Amidst the hostage situation, a video clip of Rohit surfaced, where he confessed to orchestrating the entire act without major financial demands, asserting his motives were ethical. He clarified he wasn't a terrorist, merely seeking questions and answers.
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Originally hailing from Pune, Rohit was associated with a school project tender during former Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar's tenure. He claimed non-receipt of payment for this project plunged him into financial woes.
Residing on the 9th floor of Chembur's Annapurna building, Rohit occupied a relative's room, owned by someone residing in the US for the past four years. Around 9 AM today, he left the premises, prompting police to extend their investigation there.
