In a shocking incident that gripped Mumbai on 30 October 2025, a man named Rohit Arya held several children hostage at his RA Studio in Powai. The dramatic standoff ended after an intense police operation when Arya was shot dead in an encounter, while all the children were rescued safely.
Powai Turns Into a Scene of Panic
The chaos began when Rohit Arya, a 50-year-old man, allegedly lured around 100 children to his studio under the pretext of an acting audition. Once inside, he released about 80 of them but kept 17 children and a few adults trapped inside.
Arya released several videos during the standoff, claiming he was “not a terrorist” and had “moral and ethical demands”. He said he didn’t want money or violence but wanted to “talk to the system” about his grievances.
For nearly two hours, police teams tried to negotiate peacefully, ensuring the safety of the children. However, as the situation grew tense and Arya reportedly fired shots from an air gun, the Mumbai Police’s Quick Reaction Team (QRT) launched a swift rescue mission
Inside the Daring Rescue Operation
According to reports, eight commandos of the QRT entered the studio through a bathroom route to avoid confrontation at the main entrance. The entire operation lasted just 35 minutes.
When Arya fired at the police, they retaliated in self-defense. He was shot and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The police successfully rescued all hostages unharmed, marking a major relief for anxious parents and the entire city.
Who Was Rohit Arya?
Rohit Arya was reportedly a resident of Nagpur/Pune area and had been involved in a Swachhata Monitor project under the education department in 2023. He claimed he was owed ₹2 crore for his work, which he never received.
Arya, in his video statements, appeared mentally disturbed and emotionally unstable. He mentioned he wanted to draw attention to corruption and injustice, choosing this extreme step instead of ending his life.
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Police Statement and Aftermath
The Mumbai Police confirmed that no children were injured during the rescue and praised the QRT team for their quick and calculated response
Senior police officials stated that Arya had used an air gun, not a real firearm, but the threat was taken seriously as the safety of children was at risk. The encounter is now under official review as part of standard procedure
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread discussion on mental health awareness, child safety during auditions, and the need for grievance redressal systems in government departments.
Parents, celebrities, and social media users praised the Mumbai Police for their courage and efficiency. Many called it a “miraculous escape” for the children, thanking law enforcement for averting a potential tragedy
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