Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 30: In a tense rescue operation in Powai, a social media channel owner, Rohit Arya, was disarmed and taken into police custody after holding 20 children “hostage” at R A Studio during an audition session, officials said.

Police said Arya threatened to set the studio and the children on fire if certain individuals did not speak to him. A video circulated by him revealed his plan, but no ransom or terrorist motive was involved. Arya reportedly claimed he had been pushed to the brink of suicide and intended to use the hostage situation to reach specific people.

The drama unfolded when some children, attending acting classes on the first floor, managed to signal passersby for help, prompting a swift police response. Senior officers engaged Arya in talks before storming the premises, successfully rescuing all the children.

The incident, which lasted around 30 minutes, caused panic in the area. Police established a security perimeter around the studio, evacuated nearby residents, and deployed a Quick Reaction Team to rule out any terror angle.

Authorities said Arya had been conducting auditions over the past four to five days. On the day of the incident, he allowed about 80 children to leave after their audition but instructed 20 children to stay back, suggesting the hostage plan was premeditated.

A police official confirmed, “All children have been rescued and the abductor is in police detention,” noting that Arya is suspected to be mentally unstable.

The studio, popular for acting classes, has now reopened following the safe rescue of the children.