Standoff at the Studio
The incident unfolded on the afternoon of 30 October 2025 at the premises on the 1st floor of the Mahavir Classik building in Powai.
The suspect, identified by police as Rohit Arya, is alleged to have invited children for an acting audition and seized 17 minors aged between 8 and 14, along with two adults.
Videos released by the suspect showed him threatening to set the place on fire if his demands were not met. He claimed he sought “moral and ethical” discussion rather than money.
Police from the Mumbai Police (Powai Division) rushed to the scene after a distress call around 1:45 pm. They negotiated with the suspect, recovered an air-gun and chemical containers inside.
As negotiations stalled and the suspect threatened to ignite the location, officers forced entry through a bathroom window and safely evacuated all 19 hostages.
During the operation the suspect fired at police; in response, an officer fired a live round which struck the suspect in the chest. He was taken to hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.
Aftermath & Investigation
All hostages were unharmed and the children were reunited with their guardians. A police spokesperson described the operation as swift and efficient, avoiding any casualty among the children.
The motive behind Arya’s actions remains under investigation. Officials are examining his mental health, online activities and the chemicals found at the scene to rule out wider threats.
Locals in the Powai area said shock waves spread across the neighbourhood as news of children trapped in the studio spread. Families and onlookers gathered outside the building in distress.