Overview
- The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has ordered its investigation wing to examine Rohit Arya’s death in police action and sought case records from the state and Mumbai Police for a January 8, 2026 hearing.
- A petition filed in the Bombay High Court by advocate Shobha Buddhivant seeks transfer of the case to the CBI, alleging a 'fake encounter' and arguing police could have used non-fatal force.
- The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has begun recording statements, including the Powai anti-terrorism cell officer who fired the shot, the studio owner, and several parents, with more witnesses to follow.
- Police confirm they contacted former education minister Deepak Kesarkar during negotiations at Arya’s request; he declined to speak and may now be called to give a statement.
- A magisterial inquiry and the Crime Branch probe continue as police maintain Arya fired an air gun and threatened children before the rescue that freed 17 minors and two adults.