In the dramatic rescue operation at Powai’s RA Studio on Thursday, Assistant Police Inspector (API) Amol Waghmare of the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC), Powai police station, has clarified that his firing at Rohit Arya was an act of self-defence taken to save the hostages — not an encounter. Waghmare, armed with a service revolver carrying 10 rounds, entered the building with two constables and successfully rescued all hostages from the accused.
According to officials, Waghmare told his department that Arya had pointed a gun at him, forcing him to fire a single shot in self-defence. “Without wasting a second after firing, I rushed to the children and told them, ‘I am a police officer. Don’t be scared, I’m here to take you to your parents,’” Waghmare reportedly told his superiors.
Waghmare, a 10-year Mumbai Police veteran and former Quick Response Team (QRT) commando, lives in Mumbai with his wife and two children. A trained tactical officer, he told senior officials his response was purely instinctive, “a reaction to action.”
API Amol Waghmare
A police source from Powai police station said, “API Waghmare is extremely fit and has a slim build, which helped him navigate the narrow duct leading inside RA Studio. For nearly two hours, the police tried to find a way in, but Arya had fixed multiple sensors on the doors, stairs, and windows.”
The officer added, “Arya forgot to fix a sensor on the bathroom door, which had a round lock. Using his small frame, API Waghmare managed to climb through a civil duct to reach the first floor. From the bathroom window, he confirmed the area was empty. He then removed the glass panes and, along with two constables, entered quietly through the bathroom.”
“When they unlocked the bathroom door and stepped into the studio, Arya was standing right in front of them. He immediately pointed a gun at Waghmare. Drawing on his commando training, Waghmare reacted instantly — firing a single shot in self-defence, believing Arya’s weapon to be real. The bullet struck Arya in the left side of his chest,” the officer said.
After firing, Waghmare rushed to the children to ensure they were safe. “The children initially panicked when they saw him with a gun because he was in civilian clothes,” the officer added. “He quickly reassured them, saying, ‘I’m a police officer. Don’t worry, you’re safe now.’”
The crowd and the authorities outside the Powai building where the encounter took place. Pics/By Special Arrangement
One of the constables informed the team outside that all children were safe and that the accused had been hit. Arya was taken to HBT Trauma Care Hospital in a police vehicle but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
A senior police officer said, “Waghmare later explained that he was standing very close to Arya when he fired. He believed the accused was armed with a real firearm, but it turned out to be an airgun. However, Arya had already released a threatening video saying he could harm the children and was found with flammable liquids and chemicals.”
“When we heard the gunshot from outside, we feared an officer or constable had been injured. Moments later, a message came through that all officers and children were safe and the bullet had struck the accused,” another officer recalled.
DCP Vijay Lagare of the Mumbai QRT said, “We will verify API Waghmare’s service record. He previously served in the QRT and appears to have followed proper protocol.” The case has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation.
