Overview
- Deepak Kesarkar said he gave Rohit Arya money by cheque and from his personal account, questioning the validity of Arya’s claim that Rs 2 crore was due.
- Kesarkar said department checks found Arya had not submitted required paperwork and noted government funds cannot be released without proper bills.
- Authorities and news reports identified Arya as the man who allegedly held 16 children hostage in Powai, an act he linked to his payment grievance.
- Arya had long alleged the state used his cleanliness and school-improvement concept without credit and that officials withheld payment.
- In 2024 Arya staged a 12-day protest, collapsed and was hospitalised, and later said Kesarkar promised to resolve the dispute; the department also alleged Arya collected fees from students, a charge he denied.