A major scare unfolded in Mumbai’s Powai area on Thursday when a man allegedly took around 20 children hostage inside an acting studio. The police launched a swift operation, safely rescuing all the children and detaining the accused, identified as Rohit Arya.
The shocking incident took place at RA Studio, near the L&T building in Powai. Panic gripped the area as locals saw police and fire officials rushing to the spot.
Suspect Invited Children for ‘Auditions’
According to police sources, Arya allegedly called several children to the studio under the pretext of conducting a “shooting” and “audition.” Most of the victims were teenagers, both boys and girls, aged around 15 years.
A preliminary probe suggests Arya lured them through messages and social media posts. Once the children arrived, he locked the doors from inside, leading to chaos in the area.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Visuals from the spot in Powai area of Mumbai where a man, identified as Rohit Arya, held a few children hostage demanding that he be allowed to speak to a few people.
The children were soon rescued by the Police and handed over to their guardians. The… pic.twitter.com/9W5iCLMOw9
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2025
Senior Inspector Jeevan Sonawane of Powai Police said, “A mentally challenged man has been detained after he took students hostage inside the studio.”
He added that Arya had demanded to speak with former Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar over grievances related to the department.
Police, Fire Brigade Act Swiftly
The situation grew tense after Arya reportedly released a video threatening to harm himself and the children if his demands were not met. In the clip, he said he wanted to talk to “a few people” and warned he would “set everything on fire” if ignored.
Police immediately surrounded the studio and coordinated with the fire brigade for the rescue. Station Officer Abhijit Sonawane of the Mumbai Fire Brigade said,
“We cut open the grills with our hydraulic tools and made access for the police. They entered inside and now all are rescued.”
All the children were safely evacuated and handed over to their guardians. No injuries were reported during the operation.
Mentally Unstable Suspect Detained
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Satyanarayan confirmed that around 20 people had been held hostage. “The suspect appeared mentally ill and had what looked like a weapon resembling a gun,” he said.
Mumbai Police told ANI that Arya’s mental state will be evaluated. “The accused has been detained. We are verifying details and will share further information after due confirmation,” officials said.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are now probing how Arya gained access to the studio and whether anyone assisted him. His motive remains unclear, but initial reports suggest he was frustrated over personal and professional issues.
Police have seized Arya’s phone and other materials from the site for forensic examination. The studio management is also being questioned to understand how the children were allowed inside without supervision.
The swift response of the Mumbai Police and the fire department helped prevent a possible tragedy, ensuring all the children were rescued unharmed.
