Mumbai Hostage Crisis: Man Takes 17 Children Captive at Web Series Audition, Police Rescue All After Two-Hour Standoff

A dramatic hostage situation unfolded in Mumbai on Thursday when a man took 17 children captive, leading to a tense two-hour standoff with police.

The perpetrator, identified as Rohit Arya, had gathered the children at RA Studios in Powai for what was supposed to be an audition for a web series. The studio was located on the ground floor of a building.

Sources described Arya as mentally challenged. During the incident, he stated that he had chosen to take the children hostage rather than taking his own life.

In a recorded video during the standoff, Arya made concerning statements: "I want simple conversations, and that's why I've taken these children hostage. I've held them hostage as part of a plan. If I live, I'll do it; if I die, someone else will, but it will definitely happen because the slightest wrong move from you will trigger me to set this whole place on fire and die in it."

Despite these threats, Arya never clearly specified what his demands were, only describing them as "simple."

Police were alerted to the situation at approximately 1:45 PM. Initially, officers attempted to negotiate with Arya. When negotiations failed, they made a forced entry into the premises.

During the police operation, Arya opened fire, prompting officers to return fire. He sustained injuries in the exchange and later died during medical treatment. Authorities recovered an air gun from the scene.

The crisis concluded around 3:45 PM with all 17 children being safely rescued by law enforcement.