Deepak Kesarkar says, 'Rohit Arya’s claim of being owed Rs 2 cr doesn’t seem valid'

Deepak Kesarkar, Shiv Sena MLA and former Maharashtra education minister, at a rally in 2019. File PIC/SATEJ SHINDE

Responding to allegations made by Rohit Arya, who held 16 children hostage on Thursday, former School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar stated that he had personally paid the deceased by cheque for his work related to a government campaign. Arya had earlier claimed that he was owed Rs 2 crore by the government and had accused officials of denying him payment for his project - a grievance he said pushed him to take the drastic step.

Speaking to reporters, Kesarkar said, "When I was the education minister, I personally helped him and paid him by cheque. However, for any government payment, proper documentation and formalities must be completed. His claim that Rs 2 crore was due does not appear valid to me. He should have verified the matter with the department and presented the required papers."

Pune's Swaranjali Housing Society where Rohit Arya lived. PIC/SAHIR SHEIKH

Arya had operated a cleanliness campaign called ‘Swachha Monitor' linked to a state initiative. The department had alleged that Arya collected fees directly from students - a charge Arya had denied. Condemning the actions taken by Arya yesterday, Kesarkar said, "He should have resolved his issue through official channels. Taking the children hostage was completely wrong. Government procedures ensure that legitimate payments are made. I had extended personal sympathy and even financial help, but government payments are always based on proper documentation."

The Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader, who represents the Sawantwadi Assembly constituency, stated that it would be inappropriate to call Arya mentally unstable. "He had staged a hunger strike earlier, so he was clearly capable of expressing his grievances. If he truly worked, he should have produced evidence and claimed his payment legally," he added.

Rohit Arya was mentally disturbed, says neighbour

Rohit Arya had been mentally disturbed for the past year, said Suraj Lokhande, a local Shiv Sena activist and his neighbour. "He was mentally disturbed, as a significant amount of his money was stuck with the government. Whatever happened is truly unfortunate, but there must be an inquiry into those responsible for his situation," said Lokhande, who is known to Arya's family.

Fifty-one-year-old Arya lived in Pune's Kothrud area with his family at Swaranjali Housing Society, Shiv Tirthnagar, in Building A on the first floor. According to the residents of the society, Arya stayed with his wife, who works in a reputable bank, and their son, who is pursuing higher studies. His flat was under the name of his parents.