Cop who fired at Mumbai hostage-taker sensed ‘real threat’ due to accused’s gun, presence of kids

The assistant inspector who fired at Mumbai hostage-taker Rohit Arya took the call since children were involved and the situation presented a “real threat”, an official said on Friday.

Arya was killed on Thursday in a police operation mounted to free 17 children and two women, including a senior citizen, he had taken hostage inside RA Studio in Powai.

Arya was shot by the Powai police station API Amol Waghmare, the official said.

“Waghmare had tried to speak to Arya urging him not to take any extreme step. But Arya pointed his gun at the officer and it was a real threat. In self-defence, Waghmare fired at Arya, who, unfortunately, succumbed later. Waghmare and a constable were inside the first floor of the studio where the incident occurred. The constable was standing behind,” the offic