Updated on: Nov 04, 2025 | Mumbai

The investigation into the Mumbai hostage case, in which Rohit Arya held 17 children and two adults captive at a Powai recording studio before being killed in a police operation, has taken a new turn as officials revealed that the Mumbai Police contacted former Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar during the negotiations. The Crime Branch is now probing Arya’s death, and Kesarkar’s statement may be recorded as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Police Probe and Involvement of Officials

Crime Branch officials stated that they are recording statements from everyone connected to the case, including the senior inspector of Powai police station and a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer who were directly involved in negotiating with Arya.

An official confirmed:

“On the day of the incident, it became known that Arya wanted to speak with Kesarkar. The negotiating officers contacted the former minister to facilitate communication.”

Kesarkar was unavailable for comment on Monday, but authorities indicated that his statement could form an important part of the investigation.

Additionally, the Crime Branch is recording statements from celebrities and actors who visited the Powai studio during the ‘audition’ process that Arya had organized in the days leading up to the hostage situation.

The Incident

The hostage drama unfolded at R A Studio in the Mahavir Classic building, Powai, on Thursday, lasting from 1:30 PM to 5:15 PM. Police successfully rescued all 17 children and two adults, but Rohit Arya (50) was fatally shot during the operation. Arya sustained a bullet injury and was declared dead at the hospital.

Police sources stated that Arya had planned the operation in advance, allegedly due to dues he claimed were pending with the Maharashtra education department for a project. The government, however, denied these claims.

Background on Arya and Project Let’s Change

Arya was the director of Project Let’s Change, which ran the Swachhta Monitor initiative from July 20 to October 2, 2023. Under this program, students from approximately 64,000 schools and 59 lakh students acted as cleanliness monitors, discouraging spitting and littering in public spaces.

Police noted that Arya had conducted “auditions” for six days before October 30 for a web series, during which children were brought to the studio at 10 AM, given lunch, and sessions ended around 8 PM. This schedule and the prolonged confinement of students became a critical focus in the investigation.

Police Action and Magisterial Inquiry

Authorities said a magisterial inquiry has been initiated into Arya’s death, in line with Supreme Court rulings and legal requirements for custodial and encounter cases.

“We tried for two hours to convince Arya to release the hostages voluntarily. After he fired first from his air gun, police officers responded with gunfire,” said a senior officer.

The police action was described as a necessary step to prevent further risk to the hostages, who included minors.

Ongoing Investigation

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch continues to probe all aspects of the case, from Arya’s motives to the execution of the hostage scenario and the police response. Officials are also examining the background of the auditions, Arya’s communications, and potential lapses in monitoring the studio’s operations.

The involvement of ex-minister Deepak Kesarkar highlights the high-profile nature of the incident and the lengths authorities went to during negotiations to resolve the crisis safely.

The investigation remains active, with statements being recorded from key individuals, and a detailed report is expected once the magisterial inquiry concludes.