A tense situation unfolded in Mumbai&rsquo;s Powai area on Thursday after a mentally unstable man allegedly held around 20 children hostage inside a local acting studio. The incident sparked panic across the area and led to a swift and large-scale rescue operation by Mumbai Police.
The suspect, identified as Rohit Arya, reportedly took the children captive at RA Studio, near the L&amp;T building in Powai. According to early reports, the children, boys and girls aged around 15, had been invited for an &ldquo;audition&rdquo; at the studio.
Senior Inspector Jeevan Sonawane of Powai Police confirmed that the man appeared mentally challenged and demanded to speak with former Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, citing personal grievances with the department.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Satyanarayan said Arya seemed mentally disturbed and carried what looked like a weapon resembling a gun. As panic spread, the Mumbai Fire Brigade arrived at the scene around 3 PM. Station Officer Abhijit Sonawane said the team used hydraulic tools to cut open metal grills, allowing the police to enter and rescue the hostages.
All 20 children were safely evacuated and reunited with their families, officials confirmed. Authorities said further investigation is underway to verify the suspect&rsquo;s claims and mental condition.
In a disturbing twist, Arya had earlier released a video threatening to &ldquo;set everything on fire and harm himself and the children&rdquo; if his demands were ignored. Police have taken him into custody and are conducting a detailed inquiry into the motives behind the incident.

Mumbai Police rescue 20 children from acting studio after a mentally unstable man’s threat

20 Children Rescued From Mumbai Hostage Drama

Mumbai Police rescue 20 children from acting studio after a mentally unstable man’s threat

October 30, 2025 | 17:29 IST