A tense scene unfolded in Mumbai’s Powai area on Thursday after around 15 to 20 children were held hostage at a local studio, prompting a swift and large-scale police operation.
The incident took place in broad daylight at RA Studio, where acting classes are regularly conducted. All the children were rescued safely after a brief standoff, police confirmed.
According to initial reports, the man behind the incident has been identified as Rohit, an employee at the studio who also operates a YouTube channel. Investigators said Rohit had been conducting auditions at the premises for the past four to five days.
On Thursday morning, nearly 100 children arrived at the studio for auditions. Rohit reportedly allowed about 80 of them to leave but confined 15 to 20 children inside the building.
The children were believed to have been held on the first floor, and several were seen peering anxiously through the glass windows as police arrived on the scene.
Authorities said the situation escalated after the man released a video demanding to speak to “certain people,” though the motive behind the act remains unclear. Police officers and negotiators surrounded the area, ensuring the safety of the children while attempting to communicate with the suspect.
After intense negotiations, police successfully secured the release of all the hostages. Officers later escorted the rescued children out of the building to waiting parents and relatives, who had gathered outside in distress.
Law enforcement officials have taken Rohit into custody and are questioning him to determine his reasons for holding the children. Preliminary findings suggest he may have acted alone, and there is no indication of any wider threat.
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Police sources said an investigation is underway to verify Rohit’s background, his activities at the studio, and the authenticity of his claims made in the video. The authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the premises to reconstruct the sequence of events.
The incident has sparked shock and concern among parents and residents in the area, particularly as the auditions had been regularly attended by children.
Officers have assured that security measures around local acting studios and workshops will be strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.
All rescued children have been medically examined and are reported to be in good health.
The police have praised their composure and the swift response of the rescue teams that helped bring the situation under control.
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