By | Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai: BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay has come out strongly in support of the Mumbai Police, commending their brave action during the Powai hostage crisis, where 17 children were rescued safely from the clutches of Rohit Arya, a Pune resident.
“Mumbai Police carry weapons not for display, but to maintain law and order. Their duty is ‘Sadrakshanaya Khalanigrahanaya’ — to protect the good and punish the wicked. I will soon visit Powai Police Station to personally honor the brave officer who saved 17 innocent lives.”
According to reports, Rohit Arya had locked 17 children inside a room and threatened to harm them and himself. Despite repeated efforts by the police to negotiate, Arya continued to resist. Finally, the police were compelled to act in the interest of the children’s safety and neutralized the suspect, rescuing all hostages unharmed.
Further investigation revealed that Arya had been demanding pending payments from the Maharashtra government under the “Mera School, Sundar School” campaign. He had also staged protests in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur, claiming his company had not been paid for sanitation work done under the initiative.
Commenting on this, Upadhyay added, If a contractor’s dues are pending, he can approach the court or media — but holding children hostage is a crime, not a protest. The police took the right decision at the right time, and they deserve appreciation, not criticism.
The Powai Police’s prompt and courageous action — especially that of Assistant Police Sub-Inspector Amol Waghmare — has earned public respect and political praise alike, reinforcing the image of Mumbai Police as protectors of peace and safety.
