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.