Could Hemini Mehta have been rescued?

Investigation experts, who reviewed Thursday’s horrific incident, felt police reacted in the best possible manner and there was little they could have done differently given the gravity of the situation. However, they cited a couple of instances where Hemini could have been saved.

According to an investigator, when Harish Maroliya grabbed Hemini on the ground floor and threatened to shoot her, he was pacified into letting her go by residents. “When Hemini started walking towards the lift, someone should have accompanied her, especially, after they saw Maroliya following her. This would have ensured that Maroliya could not overpower Hemini and drag her into his house,” said a police officer.

Another instance was the 15-20 minutes that the police were trying to talk to Maroliya and coax him into coming out of the house.

However, police say the team on the spot was professional and did what was best. Additional commissioner of police Amitabh Gupta said, “Maroliya was firing and threatening people and also had Hemini hostage. Officers tried everything to bring the situation under control but Maroliya was behaving like a mad-man. While they were trying to pacify him, the policemen heard a gunshot followed sby Hemini’s screams. It was clear that she had been shot. The policemen had no option but to break open the door.”

Former IPS officer, YP Singh says policemen could have used better combat techniques. “They could have used gas to knock Maroliya out, rather than breaking open the door,” Singh said. “Officials going for such operations should have specialised training,” he added.

Meanwhile, there are several measures adopted by the city police to keep a check on people who could prove dangerous to others.
Police chief D Sivanandhan said, “Our Jagrut Mumbaikar drive helps us get in touch with every citizen. Websites like hamarisuraksha.com and copconnect.in have been created to communicate and help people address issues and grievances.”

He added, “Arms licences are provided to people only after strict checks. We suspend or cancel licences of people against whom we receive complaints,” he added.