The Mumbai Police conducted a Powai hostage rescue, saving 17 children and two adults from a studio. The captor, Rohit Arya, died after being shot. The children ranged in age from 10 to 15 years and included one older citizen.
Hostage Situation Unfolds During Powai Hostage Rescue
The incident took place around 1:30 p.m. Arya had invited children to audition for a web series over the past few days. During the hostage situation, he released a video saying he had taken hostages to raise “moral and ethical questions,” according to police.
I am Rohit Arya. Instead of taking my life , I made a plan and took a few children hostage. I have very simple demands. Very moral, ethical demands. I have some questions. I want to speak to some people and, based on their answers, if there are any counter-questions, I want to ask them. But I want these answers. I do not want anything else. This is not an act of terrorism, and I have no demand for money. My only aim is to have simple conversations, which is why I have taken these children hostage, he said in the video.
He also warned of potential harm. “The slightest wrong move from your end may trigger me to set this whole place on fire. Whether I die or not, the children will be unnecessarily hurt, traumatised for sure, I should not be held responsible.”
Police React Rapidly
After receiving the call, the police ascertained that it was vital to mobilize a Quick Response Team (QRT), along with a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and the fire brigade, and dispatch them to the location., The police then attempted to negotiate. After the negotiation failed, the police breached the studio.
Officers said they sent a team to get to the first floor by way of a bathroom window using a ladder provided by the fire brigade, and that the boy, Arya, was shot while allegedly attempting to harm the children. He remained alive and was declared dead at the hospital at 5:15 p.m.
Children Rescued Safely in Powai Hostage Rescue Operation
An officer at the scene provided all appropriate charges to the police said, “It looked like there was no other choice for the police; they broke open the grill at the back of the room in the building and managed to enter it. Based on the situation, the police fired one bullet, hitting the boy, Arya. He was immediately taken to the hospital.”
“All children are safe and have been returned to their parents,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Satya Narayan Chaudhary. DCP Datta Nalawade described the operation as “very challenging”, but emphasized, “the main priority was the safety of the children.”
Investigation and Political Reactions
The investigation has been handed over to the Crime Branch in Mumbai. Police have conducted a panchnama and recorded statements from people who were in the studio and the building.
The Mumbai Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad called it “extremely disturbing”. She claimed it brought to light the failing law and order, and added that Arya had worked on major projects and had been protesting unpaid money due from the Maharashtra Education Department.
“Rohit Arya had worked on major projects with the Maharashtra Education Department, and he claimed he was owed ₹2 crore, for which he had held protests earlier. Due to this negligence on the part of the government, the lives of many children were put in danger today,” she said.
She criticized the BJP-led state government. “What answer will this government give to those children and their parents? Law and order in Mumbai is deteriorating day by day,” she added.
For more information, visit- https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mumbai-hostage-taker-rohit-arya-dies-of-bullet-injuries-after-stand-off-9545443
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