What was intended as a film shoot for a hostage drama dramatically transformed into a real-life nightmare in Mumbai. Rohit Arya, the individual involved, had informed his crew that he would be filming a hostage scene. However, this scenario escalated into a terrifying reality when he held 17 children and two adults captive within R A Studio in Powai. The situation culminated tragically when Arya was shot dead by police during a rescue operation.
According to Rohan Aher, Arya’s longtime videographer and a key witness, Arya had detailed the hostage drama plot involving children, eerily mirroring the events that were about to unfold. Aher recounted that Arya had even requested him to procure petrol and firecrackers for the shoot, a request Aher declined due to the presence of children.
The line between fiction and reality blurred on Thursday morning. Upon arrival at the studio, Aher was informed that no one was permitted upstairs. Arya soon appeared, instructing Aher to secure all entry points, claiming a fire scene was to be filmed. Moments later, Arya poured a rubber solution, setting it ablaze in front of the terrified children.
Despite pleas from Aher and others not to proceed, Arya, armed with an air gun, kept them at bay. Aher managed to escape and alerted bystanders to call the police. He then attempted a rescue by breaking a studio window, sustaining a hand injury in the process. Arya retaliated by spraying pepper spray in Aher’s eyes, causing him to fall down the stairs.
Police arrived promptly and initiated negotiations. Aher managed to re-enter the studio and guide several children to safety. However, four remained trapped when the situation escalated, leading to gunfire. Arya was fatally shot in the chest and later pronounced dead at the hospital.