Daijiworld Media Network – Pune

Pune, Nov 1: The mortal remains of short filmmaker Rohit Aarrya, who was shot dead by Mumbai Police after holding 17 teenagers hostage in a Powai studio, were cremated in Pune early Saturday, officials said.

Aarrya, 50, had trapped 16 schoolchildren aged between 10 and 12 and one adult during what he claimed was a web series shoot on Thursday. The tense three-hour standoff ended when police gunned him down after rescuing all hostages.

Following a postmortem at JJ Hospital in Mumbai, Aarrya’s body was taken to Pune in an ambulance, where his last rites were performed around 2.30 am at the Vaikunth Crematorium in Navi Peth. His wife, son, and close relatives were present during the cremation.

Police said Aarrya, who preferred using the surname ‘Aarrya’ instead of his family name Harolikar, had been living away from Pune for several years with minimal contact with his family. Investigators believe he had been leading an isolated life.

A few years ago, Aarrya had accused the Maharashtra education department of withholding payments for a project and had protested in Pune over the issue. In a video released during Thursday’s hostage drama, he claimed he only wanted “answers” and a “simple conversation,” which he said led him to hold 17 children hostage.

Residents of his parents’ Kothrud housing society expressed deep shock over the incident. “The father, A.R. Harolikar, is a heart patient and comes from a respected, educated family. He graduated from the College of Engineering, Pune, and ran a business. The couple’s other children are settled abroad,” said a society member.

Mumbai Police said Aarrya was shot dead after he fired at and injured two hostages. The ongoing investigation is focused on his mental condition, digital footprint, and possible motive behind the chilling Powai hostage crisis.