A dramatic hostage situation in Mumbai’s Powai area ended late Thursday evening after police rescued 17 children from the clutches of a kidnapper inside RA Studio. The suspect, identified as Rohit Arya, later died in hospital from a bullet injury sustained during the operation.
According to officials, Arya — who worked at the acting studio — had taken the children and two adults hostage earlier in the day, threatening to set the building on fire unless his demands to “speak to certain people” were met.
Police Operation and Negotiations
Police rushed to the scene after a distress call reached Powai police station around 2 pm. Multiple units, including the local police, crime branch, and SWAT teams, were deployed around the premises.
Authorities initially attempted to negotiate with Arya, who appeared agitated and uncooperative. He even released a video message on social media, stating that he “wanted to talk to the authorities” and warning of dire consequences if ignored.
When talks failed, officers executed a tactical entry through a bathroom passage to reach the room where the children were being held. During the confrontation, Arya allegedly resisted and was shot by the police. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
Hostages Rescued, Children Safe
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dutta Nalawade (Zone 10) confirmed that all 17 children and two adults were safely evacuated from the studio. The children were handed over to their guardians soon after the rescue operation concluded.
Witnesses described a terrifying scene, with children seen peering through the studio’s glass windows, visibly frightened, as the tense standoff unfolded.
Who Was Rohit Arya?
Preliminary investigation revealed that Arya was a resident of Chembur and originally hailed from Nagpur. He had been working at RA Studio while also running a YouTube channel. Over the past few days, he had reportedly been conducting acting auditions, which brought several families and children to the studio.
Police are investigating the motive behind the kidnapping and whether Arya was mentally unstable, as some reports suggest erratic behavior in the days leading up to the incident.
Aftermath and Investigation
Senior officers from the Mumbai Police Crime Branch are now probing how Arya managed to execute the hostage situation within a commercial complex. Forensic teams are also inspecting the studio premises to collect evidence.
While the children are safe, the incident has raised serious concerns about studio safety protocols, background verification of employees, and mental health monitoring in the entertainment industry.
The police have not ruled out the possibility of psychological distress as a trigger behind Arya’s actions.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
