A Tense Afternoon in Mumbai: The Studio Hostage Drama
Panic gripped the Powai area of Mumbai recently as news broke of a tense hostage situation at a local studio. A group of people, primarily 17 children attending an audition, along with two adults, were held captive by a man identified as Rohit Arya. The incident immediately triggered a massive response from the Mumbai Police, with officers and the Quick Response Team (QRT) converging on the scene.
The children, aged between 10 and 17, had reportedly traveled from various parts of Maharashtra for an ad shoot audition being held at the RA Studio.
The Captor’s Demands: A Grievance Over Unpaid Dues
The accused, Rohit Arya, released a chilling video outlining his intentions. He stated that he had taken the children hostage as a last resort, framed as an alternative to suicide.
- The Claim: Arya stated he wanted a “simple conversation” to ask “moral and ethical questions” of certain individuals.
- The Motive: Preliminary police investigation quickly linked his actions to a deep-seated grievance over alleged unpaid dues—reportedly amounting to ₹2 crore—from a past government-related contract with the state’s education department.
- The Threat: Arya was armed with an airgun and had chemicals in his possession, threatening to harm the children and “set everything on fire” if his demands were not met.
The Rescue Operation: 35 Minutes of Precision and Courage
The Mumbai Police prioritized the safe rescue of the young hostages above all else. When negotiations with Arya failed to secure the children’s release, a high-stakes, time-sensitive operation was launched.
- Negotiation & Diversion: Senior officers engaged Arya in conversation, attempting to keep him distracted and calm while the QRT prepared to enter.
- Covert Entry: Fire brigade personnel used a ladder to help officers access the studio through a less-guarded spot, specifically a bathroom window. The grill was cut, allowing two commandos to slip inside undetected.
- Neutralization: When Arya attempted to use his weapon, the police acted decisively. The lead commando opened fire, injuring the captor and quickly neutralizing the threat.
The entire on-site rescue operation was reportedly executed in just 35 minutes, resulting in the safe extraction of all 19 hostages.
Aftermath and Key Takeaways
Following the operation, all children were rescued unharmed and reunited with their anxious parents after medical check-ups. Rohit Arya was detained and rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
This harrowing incident highlights the courage and swift action of the Mumbai Police in managing a highly volatile situation. It also serves as a stark reminder of the extreme steps an individual can take when facing deep personal or financial distress.
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