Mumbai Hostage Crisis: Filmmaker Rohit Arya Killed, 17 Children Rescued in Powai

In a tense four-hour standoff at R.A. Studio in Powai, the Mumbai Police on Thursday rescued 17 children and two adults held hostage by filmmaker Rohit Arya (50). The accused, armed with an airgun and chemicals, was shot by police during the operation and later died in hospital.

Police said Arya had lured the children, aged 10 to 15, to the studio by inviting them for auditions for a web series. During the siege, he released a video message claiming he wanted to raise “moral and ethical questions” and had no financial or terror motive.

After failed negotiations, the Quick Response Team (QRT) broke into the studio through a rear window and neutralised Arya when he allegedly attempted to harm the children. “All hostages are safe,” confirmed Joint Commissioner (Law & Order) Satya Narayan Chaudhary, calling it a “challenging but successful” rescue.

The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken over the investigation, and a panchnama of the site has been completed.

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Political Reactions

Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad called the incident “deeply disturbing” and blamed the BJP-led state government for neglecting law and order. She alleged Arya had previously worked on education department projects and claimed ₹2 crore in unpaid dues.

In response, the Maharashtra School Education Department confirmed that Arya’s firm, Apsara Media Entertainment Network, had executed the ‘Swachhata Monitor’ initiative in 2022–23 with ₹9.90 lakh disbursed. However, his subsequent ₹2.41 crore proposal was put on hold after officials found his firm illegally collecting registration fees from schools via a private website.

Deputy Secretary Tushar Mahajan clarified that no further funds were released because Arya failed to submit required documents. School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar added that Arya had earlier approached him over the payment dispute but said, “He could have sought clarification, not resorted to such extreme action.”

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Key Takeaways

• 17 children, 2 adults rescued safely.

• Accused shot dead after threatening to set studio on fire.

• Police operation lasted around four hours.

• Arya had ongoing financial disputes with the Education Department.

• Crime Branch investigating motive and official links.