Mumbai Police launched a swift rescue operation after Arya threatened to harm the children and set the studio ablaze. All minors were safely freed after a three-hour ordeal.
BY PC Bureau
October 30: Panic and chaos gripped Mumbai’s Powai area on Thursday after a man identified as Rohit Arya allegedly took 19 people hostage, including 17 children, a senior citizen, and one unidentified man, inside a studio apartment. The dramatic standoff lasted several hours before police stormed the flat, rescuing all children unharmed. Arya later died from a chest injury sustained during a police crossfire, officials confirmed.
The Standoff in Powai
The incident unfolded around 1:45 p.m., when a distress call alerted the Powai and Sakinaka police stations about a possible hostage situation inside a flat used as a studio for ad auditions. According to police, Arya had locked the door from inside and refused to let anyone leave. The children — aged between 13 and 17 years — had reportedly travelled from different parts of Maharashtra to participate in a commercial audition being held at the premises.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of terror and confusion. “We saw police vans arriving within minutes. They were shouting for people to move back. Some of us heard a man yelling from the window, saying he had chemicals and would set fire,” said a resident of the nearby apartment complex.
The Mumbai Police quickly cordoned off the area, deploying personnel from the Quick Response Team (QRT), along with senior officers and local law enforcement. Ambulances and fire engines were also stationed nearby as a precaution.
Rohit Arya’s Video Threat
Before police intervention, Arya reportedly posted a video message on social media, in which he demanded to speak with certain individuals. He threatened to harm himself and the hostages and “set everything on fire” if prevented. Police sources said Arya appeared agitated and incoherent in the footage, frequently accusing unnamed people of “cheating” him in professional matters.
“Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused was distressed over some pending work-related dues and may have been under mental strain,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Satyanarayan Chaudhary. “However, the exact motive will be confirmed after a detailed forensic and psychological evaluation.”
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Police Action and Rescue Operation
The situation escalated around 3 p.m., prompting authorities to attempt negotiations. Officers tried to calm Arya and persuade him to release the children, but he refused. Fearing for the hostages’ safety, a decision was made to forcibly enter the studio.
According to police accounts, a Powai police inspector managed to breach the door and engage Arya in a brief scuffle. During the confrontation, Arya allegedly fired from an airgun and brandished a chemical bottle, threatening to ignite it. In the ensuing struggle, police opened retaliatory fire, hitting Arya in the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
Inside the flat, police recovered the airgun, several bottles of chemical liquid, and personal belongings, which are being sent for forensic analysis. The senior citizen injured in the crossfire was taken to Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Hospital and is reported to be out of danger.
Powai P S received information that a person had taken 17 children hostage at Mahavir Classic building,Powai Mumbai Police rescue operation and safely freed all the children. children the person got injured, was immediately rushed to the hospital, and was later declared dead. pic.twitter.com/lWYsTKOods
— Krishna Kant Mishra (@KKMishraOffice) October 30, 2025
Children Safe, Parents Reunited
Mumbai Police confirmed that all the children were safely rescued and have been reunited with their parents. Many were in shock but sustained no physical injuries. The children are now under observation, with counselors from the Child Welfare Committee assisting them in processing the traumatic experience.
Parents waiting outside the building recounted tense hours of uncertainty. “We didn’t know if our kids were alive. We could only hear police sirens and see commandos entering the building,” said the father of one of the rescued teenagers. “The moment we saw them come out safe, we cried with relief.”
Mental Health, Security Concerns Raised
Authorities described Arya as mentally unstable, suggesting that his actions were not part of a planned criminal conspiracy but rather a breakdown fueled by personal grievances. Preliminary background checks revealed that Arya had previously worked in the local production industry and had reportedly faced financial and professional disputes in recent months.
A senior Mumbai Police officer said the case highlights the growing mental health crisis in urban industries like entertainment, where freelancers often face erratic payments and emotional distress. “We’re also investigating how he accessed the premises and whether the organizers of the audition had adequate security,” the officer added.
Public Response and Investigation
The incident sparked intense discussion online, with social media users praising the Mumbai Police for their swift and decisive action. Videos from the scene showed parents hugging their children, officers leading them out in groups, and relief sweeping through the gathered crowd.
The Crime Branch has taken over the case to probe Arya’s background, digital communications, and possible accomplices, if any. Investigators are also verifying the authenticity of the chemical substances recovered from the scene.
As the city recovers from the shock, officials said the episode serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities in safety protocols for minors participating in unsupervised events.
“Quick thinking and courage of our officers saved lives today,” said Joint CP Chaudhary. “But this must prompt tighter regulation for such private auditions and better psychological support systems.”
🚨Rohit Arya, a man in Mumbai’s Powai, allegedly held several children hostage and released a video in which he said he wanted to speak with specific people.
He has been shot dead now. pic.twitter.com/tLPRecUBY4
— Priyanshi Bhargava (@PriyanshiBharg7) October 30, 2025
A City Shaken, A Crisis Averted
By evening, Powai returned to uneasy calm, with crowds dispersing and police continuing their forensic sweep. For Mumbai — a city used to fast-paced drama — Thursday’s real-life hostage crisis served as a sobering example of how quickly a routine day can turn into a nightmare.
The tragedy of Rohit Arya’s breakdown, coupled with the miraculous rescue of 17 children, will likely dominate the city’s conversation for days to come.
