Authorities confirmed that all the children were safely rescued and reunited with their families.
Mumbai witnessed a tense hostage situation on Thursday that ended in tragedy. Rohit Arya, who held 17 children captive inside a film studio in Powai, died after being shot during a police rescue operation. Authorities confirmed that all the children were safely rescued and reunited with their families.
The incident took place at RA Studios near the L&T building in Powai. According to police, Arya lured several children aged between 8 and 14 to the studio under the pretext of an “audition.” Once inside, he locked the doors and refused to let anyone leave.
Mumbai Police received a distress call around 1:45 pm and immediately dispatched a team to the location. Senior Inspector Jeevan Sonawane said that the team began negotiations as soon as they arrived, but Arya repeatedly refused to cooperate.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Satyanarayan said that Arya brandished what looked like a weapon and threatened to harm the children if anyone tried to enter.
“The man seemed mentally unstable, and our officers handled the situation with extreme caution,” a police spokesperson said.
When Arya fired an air gun at the police, officers returned fire, hitting him in the process. “He was taken to a hospital with gunshot wounds but died during treatment,” said a senior police official. The team successfully rescued all 17 children through a bathroom entry route.
Before the standoff, Arya posted a video on social media where he described his act as a form of protest.
“I am Rohit Arya. Instead of dying by suicide, I have made a plan and am holding some children hostage here,” he said in the video. Arya claimed he wanted to “talk to some people” and demanded “ethical accountability” from what he called “the system.”
He added, “I am not a terrorist. I have no demands for money. I just want simple conversations.” Arya also warned that “the slightest wrong move” from authorities would make him “set the place on fire.”
After the operation, police recovered an air gun and chemical containers from the scene. Investigators believe Arya used these items to threaten officers during the standoff.
“The materials have been sent for forensic examination,” officials said. “We are also analyzing the video messages he posted online before the incident.”
Police have described the entire situation as extremely volatile but praised their team’s calm handling.
“All children are safe. We are questioning people who knew the accused to learn more about his background and motive,” said an officer.
The case has raised serious concerns about mental health awareness and public safety in Mumbai. Authorities said they are reviewing the security measures at studios and other venues frequently used for auditions.
