Mumbai Pawai Studio Hostage Crisis: Rohit Arya Dies After Gunfire Exchange With Police

Mumbai’s Pawai Studio Hostage-Taker Rohit Arya Dies After Firing at Police; All 17 Children Rescued Safely

In a dramatic and tense standoff in Mumbai’s Pawai area, the man accused of holding 17 children hostage inside RA Studio, Rohit Arya, died during treatment after being injured in a gunfire exchange with police. According to officials, Arya opened fire at police officers during a rescue operation on Thursday afternoon, prompting the police to retaliate. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The high-intensity hostage situation lasted for over an hour and gripped the city in panic as authorities scrambled to rescue the trapped children and bring the situation under control.

The Incident: Panic at RA Studio

The incident unfolded at RA Studio near the L&T Building in Pawai on Thursday afternoon. Around 1:45 PM, Mumbai Police received a distress call reporting that several children had been taken hostage inside the premises.

Initial reports revealed that the children, mostly around 15 years of age, had been invited for what was described as an “audition for a web series.” However, once inside, they were locked in and prevented from leaving. Parents, upon learning of the situation, rushed to the scene, pleading with police and emergency services to rescue their children safely.

Rohit Arya’s Threat and Video Message

Before the rescue operation began, Rohit Arya reportedly uploaded a video on social media, declaring that he did not want money but wanted to “talk to certain people and ask questions.” He also issued a chilling threat — saying that if his demands were not met, he would set the studio on fire.

According to police sources, chemical substances and what appeared to be an air gun were found at the scene after the incident. The situation grew increasingly volatile as police negotiators attempted to calm Arya and secure the release of the children.

Police Response and Rescue Operation

Mumbai Police quickly cordoned off the entire area and launched a special operation to rescue the hostages. Highly trained units, including crime branch officers and local police personnel, were deployed.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing terrified children peeking from the studio windows, while security personnel and mediators tried to communicate with Arya. The police described the situation as “extremely challenging”, as the accused had barricaded himself inside and was threatening to ignite the building.

After several minutes of negotiation failed, the situation escalated when Arya opened fire at officers, injuring none but prompting the police to retaliate. He was subsequently shot and subdued, after which all 17 children were rescued safely.

Police Statement and Investigation

Confirming the developments, a Mumbai Police spokesperson stated:

“All children have been rescued safely and handed over to their parents. The accused, Rohit Arya, sustained injuries during the encounter and was declared dead during treatment. Further investigation is underway.”

Police officials added that Arya’s background, motives, and connections are now under investigation. They are also analyzing his social media activities and recent communications to understand what drove him to stage such an incident.

Who Was Rohit Arya?

Preliminary information suggests that Rohit Arya was a self-proclaimed filmmaker who had been operating in Mumbai for some time. His motives behind the act remain unclear, though police sources suspect he may have been mentally disturbed or influenced by external factors.

The authorities have also recovered chemical containers from the studio, which are being examined by forensic experts. Early reports suggest that Arya may have planned to use these substances to create panic or set fire to the premises.

City on Alert, Police Praised for Swift Action

The Mumbai Police’s swift response has drawn praise from across the city for preventing what could have become a far greater tragedy. Their ability to contain the situation without any harm to the hostages has been widely appreciated by parents and citizens.

As of now, the Crime Branch has taken over the investigation to trace Arya’s mental state, background, and any possible accomplices involved in the incident. Police have assured that all angles — including psychological, social, and criminal motives — will be thoroughly examined.

Conclusion

The Pawai Studio hostage crisis stands as one of Mumbai’s most shocking recent incidents — a stark reminder of how quickly a routine day can turn into chaos. Thanks to prompt police intervention, all 17 children were rescued unharmed. With Rohit Arya’s death, the investigation now focuses on uncovering the reasons behind his extreme actions and preventing similar threats in the future.