In a harrowing incident in Mumbai, a man identified as Rohit Arya held 17 children hostage for three hours at a studio, luring them under the guise of an ‘audition’. The tense standoff concluded when a Mumbai Police officer, API Amol Waghmare, shot Arya. Officer Waghmare has reportedly shared his account of the critical moments, explaining that he took action because Arya pointed a gun at him while children were present, creating a “real threat” situation.
According to reports, Waghmare attempted to de-escalate the situation and urged Arya not to take any drastic measures. However, Arya allegedly turned his weapon towards the officer. In a act of self-defense, Waghmare fired, leading to Arya’s eventual death from his injuries. It was later discovered that Arya was carrying an air gun and an inflammable spray.
The incident, described as a “reel to real” hostage situation, took place at R A Studio in Powai. Arya had reportedly informed his crew that they would be filming a hostage scene, unaware that it would soon turn into a tragic reality. A friend of Arya’s, a videographer named Rohan Aher, grew suspicious when Arya insisted on locking all studio entrances, citing a need to film a fire scene.
Following the police rescue operation and the subsequent gunfire, Arya was pronounced dead at the hospital. He is survived by his wife and son. The post-mortem examination was conducted at the J J Hospital in Mumbai.