MUMBAI : According to police, Arya had lured the children, aged around 15, to R A Studio in Mahavir Classic building under the pretext of an audition for a web series. Armed with an air gun and carrying unidentified chemicals, Arya locked the children inside the studio and released a video on social media declaring he wanted to “speak to certain people” and did not intend to demand money. He threatened to set the studio on fire if his demands were not met.
The Powai police received an emergency call at around 1.45 pm and quickly deployed teams, including the Quick Response Team (QRT), the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, and fire brigade personnel. Negotiations began immediately, but as talks stalled, police decided to intervene.
A team managed to enter the studio through a bathroom to surprise the suspect. “It was a challenging operation as the accused was unstable and negotiations were going nowhere. Saving the children’s lives was our top priority,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade.
During the confrontation, Arya attempted to harm the children with the air gun, prompting officers to open fire. He was shot, subdued, and rushed to a hospital, where he later died of his injuries.
“All the children are safe,” confirmed Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Satyanaranyan. The rescued included 17 children, a senior citizen, and one other man.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also handles the home portfolio, said further details about the incident would be shared soon.
A hostage drama unfolded in Powai as Arya held 17 children in a studio, threatening to set it on fire. Mumbai Police intervened, shooting Arya during a confrontation. He later died from his injuries. The children, lured under the guise of a web series audition, were safely rescued, along with two adults.