20 Students Of Powai’s Private School Rescued After Hostage Drama At Mumbai Studio; Kidnapper Dies In Hospital

Mumbai: In a shocking incident that unfolded in Mumbai’s Powai area on Thursday, 20 children from a private school were held hostage inside a studio by a man identified as Rohit Arya, who lured them on the pretext of conducting auditions. The Mumbai Police conducted a swift rescue operation and safely freed all 20 children.

The police opened fire to disarm the kidnapper and ensure the safe release of all 20 children. While every child was rescued unharmed, the operation turned fatal for the accused, Rohit Arya, who sustained a bullet injury during the brief exchange of fire with the Mumbai Police.

According to officials, Arya had fired at the police team when they attempted to enter the studio. In retaliation, the police returned fire with one round, striking him. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Sources said the decision to open fire was taken only after repeated negotiations failed and the suspect threatened the safety of the children. The police later confirmed that all 20 children were rescued safely and are undergoing counselling and medical examination.

According to officials, Arya had called nearly 100 students for an alleged audition at RA Studio in Powai. While 80 students were allowed to leave after the first round, Arya locked up the remaining 20 children inside a room, holding them hostage for several hours.

Police sources said Arya made bizarre demands related to “contractual work”, and even released a video online stating he “only wanted a simple conversation”. When attempts to negotiate failed, a joint team of Mumbai Police and Fire Brigade stormed the studio.

“The suspect was overpowered after a brief struggle. The police opened fire to disarm him and ensured the safe release of all 20 children,” said a senior Mumbai Police officer.

The situation created massive panic in the area. The hostage crisis lasted for several hours.

Arya was being interrogated to determine his exact motive. Sources say he had earlier worked in the entertainment industry.

The rescued children were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for a medical check-up. Police have confirmed that all children are safe and unharmed.

Authorities are also examining Arya’s background and mental health. Preliminary reports suggest he had planned the so-called “audition” for several days.

Mumbai School Kids Hostage Crisis: What We Know So Far

1. 20 kids were held hostage in a studio in Mumbai's Powai
2. 20 kids were held hostage in an acting studio
3. All children have been rescued safely and sent for a medical check-up
4. The Mumbai police barged into the studio and opened fire
5. The police disarmed the kidnapper, identified as Rohit Arya
6. Rohit Arya has now been taken into custody
7. Rohit Arya had called 100 kids to the acting studio on the pretext of a web series audition
8. Rohit Arya let go 80 of the 100 kids, but locked up the remaining 20 kids in a room
9. Rohit Arya is also reported to be a YouTuber 

UPDATE: Please note that this story has been edited to reflect updates. L&T clarified that the said incident was not related to the AM Naik School referred to as LNT School in an earlier version of the report. The statement affirmed that the school, its staff and students were not involved in the incident in any way. One of their school buses was returning empty after dropping students home, which was then used in the rescue process to shift the traumatized children to the nearest hospital. L&T stated that they are happy that their school bus could be of some help to the children at this difficult time.