Mumbai, October 31 (Udaipur Kiran): Advocate Nitin Satpute has alleged that the Mumbai Police encounter in Powai, which resulted in the death of Rohit Arya, was fake. Arya, who had reportedly taken 17 children and two elderly people hostage on Thursday, was shot dead during a rescue operation. Advocate Satpute announced on Friday that he will file a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking a detailed investigation into the incident.
Speaking to the media, Satpute claimed that the encounter was avoidable, and that police could have neutralised Arya without killing him. “Police could have shot him in the hand or leg, but API Amol Waghmare chose to shoot him in the chest to become a hero,” Satpute alleged.
He further questioned the police’s decision-making, saying, “Was there truly no other way to resolve the situation? DCP Datta Nalawade was already in communication with Arya during the rescue operation. Once police learned about Arya’s background, why didn’t they involve his family? If Arya had links with former minister Deepak Kesarkar, why was he not allowed to speak with him?”
Satpute argued that Rohit Arya was not a terrorist and had gone on a hunger strike earlier, demanding payment for government work he had completed. “Instead of resolving his grievances, the government’s inaction created these circumstances. He wasn’t a criminal — he needed help, not bullets,” he added.
He also raised doubts over whether Arya actually possessed a firearm. “The police have not officially confirmed if he had a pistol. DCP Nalawade himself said an inquiry will determine whether it was a real gun or an airgun. Even if it was an airgun, one cannot kill anyone with it. Police claim they shot him in the leg, but the bullet ended up in his chest — any child can tell you this explanation is false,” he said.
Calling it a “staged encounter”, Satpute alleged that API Waghmare acted recklessly to gain attention. While acknowledging that the police successfully rescued the hostages, he maintained that Rohit Arya did not deserve to die. “This was not justice, it was a fake encounter. All facts must come to light, and I will file a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking an independent probe,” he asserted.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
