A man identified as Rohit Arya lost his life on Thursday during a rescue operation after he held approximately 20 children hostage inside a studio in Mumbai’s Powai neighborhood. The incident triggered a large-scale joint operation involving the Mumbai police and fire brigade, which concluded after about an hour.
Authorities stated that Arya appeared to be experiencing mental instability. He was apprehended immediately after the successful rescue of all the children. Senior Inspector Jeevan Sonawane of Powai Police confirmed, “All the children are safe and have been reunited with their guardians. Further details will be provided after due verification.”
Earlier reports, citing Mumbai Police and news agency ANI, indicated that Arya had released a video claiming he wished to speak with specific individuals. He had threatened to set the premises ablaze and harm himself and the children if his demands were not met.
Rohit Arya’s ‘Simple Conversation’ Demand
According to police, Arya had recorded a video during the hostage crisis, stating that he had demands and wanted to converse with certain people. He expressed a desire for a “simple conversation” but did not specify his demands or the individuals he wished to contact.
Senior Inspector Sonawane further revealed that Arya had specifically requested to speak with former Maharashtra education minister Deepak Kesarkar, citing supposed grievances with the education department.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Satyanarayan, informed reporters that around 20 individuals were present inside the studio when Arya took them hostage. He also mentioned that Arya was seen carrying an object resembling a firearm.
Rescue Operation Details
The Mumbai Fire Brigade received an emergency call from the police around 3 p.m. Station Officer Abhijit Sonawane described the rescue, stating, “We cut open the grills with our hydraulic tools and made access for police. They entered inside and now all are rescued.”
Officials are currently conducting further investigations to ascertain Arya’s background and motives before releasing more comprehensive information.
The incident caused widespread panic in Powai on Thursday afternoon when initial reports of the hostage situation at RA Studio, near the L&T building, emerged.
Preliminary information suggested that the children, both boys and girls aged approximately 15, had been invited to the studio for what was believed to be an audition.