A social media content creator was shot dead by Mumbai Police on Thursday after he allegedly staged a hostage drama at RA Studio in Powai, using what turned out to be an air gun to trap 20 children, officials confirmed.
Police said Rohit Arya sustained fatal injuries and bled excessively while being taken to the hospital, shortly after officers stormed the studio where he had confined the children for around half an hour under the pretext of an acting audition.
According to investigators, Arya recorded a video clip during the incident. In it, he threatened to set the premises ablaze and harm the hostages. He demanded that certain individuals speak with him.
Officers were alerted when several frightened children, attending acting lessons on the first floor, called for help. They managed to signal to people outside. This prompted an immediate police response.
The situation ended when senior officials engaged Arya in conversation and then forced entry into the studio.
During the scuffle, police opened fire to subdue him, suspecting that he posed a serious danger.
Authorities later confirmed that the weapon Arya carried was not a real firearm but an air gun.
“All children have been rescued and the abductor is in police detention,” a senior police officer said following the rescue.
The dramatic episode caused panic across the Powai neighbourhood. It led to the evacuation of nearby buildings and a heavy security deployment around the studio.
The authorities also dispatched a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) as concerns grew that the situation might be linked to a larger security threat.
Arya’s Online Message and Motive
In a video message posted during the incident, Arya insisted, “I am not a terrorist, nor am I seeking money. I wish to talk to some people.”
He claimed he had been pushed towards self-harm, and that the ‘hostage act’ was meant to force communication with those individuals instead of taking his own life.
Police sources said Arya had been running acting auditions at the studio for the past several days.
On Thursday morning, around 100 children participated in the session. He then asked about 20 to stay back after their test, indicating that the hostage plot was preplanned.
The RA Studio, known for its acting and film workshops, has since been sealed as police continue investigating Arya’s motives and mental health history.
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