Cops say was split-second call to fire, not a plan
The crowd and the authorities outside the Powai building where the encounter took place. Pics/By Special Arrangement
The hostage drama that unfolded in Powai on Thursday afternoon ended with the death of the captor — and, according to the police, the decision to shoot him took just split seconds. A senior officer from the Powai police’s shootout team said, “Shooting him was never part of the plan. When we reached the spot, we realised all the kids and adults were being held hostage inside the studio. We sought help from local residents and security guards to map the layout since the main door was locked.”
The officer added, “We kept talking to Arya, agreeing to his demands to keep him calm. We then entered through the duct area up to the first floor and made our way into the studio. As soon as we entered, Arya rushed toward us. Our first priority was to save the children. One of our officers fired — it was a split-second decision. All hostages were rescued safely.”
Amol Waghmare, API
API Amol Waghmare, who fired the shot, works with the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC)at Powai police station. “API Waghmare is a quiet officer, well-trained in firearms. Every six months, officers undergo refresher training to decide when to fire and when to hold back. In this case, Arya’s intent was clearly dangerous; he was carrying an air gun and chemical substances,” said an officer.
“It was an on-the-spot decision,” said a senior official. “The team was fully prepared for any scenario. Firing was the right call; the top priority was to save those children.” The Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) is a special unit of the Mumbai Police. They began setting up ATCs in each police station in 2012 to improve ground-level intelligence gathering.
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