Police are now examining the psychological state of Rohit Arya in the days leading up to the shocking Powai hostage crisis, where he held 17 children and an elderly woman captive — a move that has drawn widespread condemnation.
Authorities say no rational person would resort to such an extreme act, and despite Arya insisting he was “not a terrorist” during negotiations, his actions have left a deep sense of alarm and outrage.
Mumbai Police officials said they aim to understand what pushed Arya to such a drastic step and whether any specific trigger or influence led to the incident.
“We need to determine why he decided to hold children hostage and what prompted this behaviour,” an officer said.
While no prior criminal background or confirmed mental health disorder has surfaced, police plan to speak with those close to him and, if needed, consult psychologists and behavioural experts.
So far, six statements have been recorded, including that of the elderly woman who was held captive along with her granddaughter.
Statements from other key individuals, including the officer who shot Arya and the three people he sent his video message to before the standoff, are also being examined.
Arya’s wife, Anjali, who was in Ahmedabad with their son, will soon provide her testimony, which investigators believe will be critical. Arya had been staying alone in Chembur at a relative’s rented home in the days before the incident.
Officials recounted that Arya appeared highly anxious and unstable throughout negotiations — pacing between rooms, escalating in agitation, cutting off phone calls, and fearing the children might overpower him.
As his behaviour deteriorated and concerns grew that he could act impulsively, a police team entered from the rear and neutralised him to prevent harm to the children.
During the post-incident inspection, police found chocolates and snacks Arya had stocked, indicating he may have intended to prolong the standoff.
Despite his claim that he was not a militant or extremist, the seriousness of his actions has raised strong questions about his mental state and motives.
The incident, while ending with the rescue of the children, has sparked debate around psychological distress, public safety, and the need for early behavioural intervention — with many asserting that no sound-minded individual would ever put innocent lives, particularly children, at such grave risk.
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