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On October 30, 2025, there was panic in Mumbai’s Powai suburb when a man allegedly took 17 children hostage during an acting audition at RA Studio. The police took immediate action and there was emotional turmoil among the parents. The suspect has been identified as Rohit Arya, a YouTuber and studio employee who had been auditioning for several days. Authorities have confirmed that he was arrested after negotiations and all the children came out safely.

The incident began around 1:45 pm when allegedly mentally unstable Arya lured around 100 aspiring young actors to the venue located on the first floor under the guise of a legitimate workshop. He let about 80 children go and then locked himself in a locked room with the remaining 17 children aged 8–14 years. Witnesses saw frightened faces from the windows, causing a crowd to gather outside and call the police.

In a disturbing video circulated online, Arya announced, “I have a plan… I want to talk to some people. If not, I will set everything on fire and harm myself and the children.” He insisted he was not a terrorist, described his actions as a desperate attempt at “simple conversation” to vent personal grievances, and denied demanding money. This video, which went viral on social media, further increased the fears of arson or self-harm.

Mumbai Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Datta Nalawade, immediately cordoned off the Hiranandani Garden area, and deployed negotiators, fire engines and a bomb disposal squad. Officers forced entry through the bathroom window and recovered an air gun and chemicals from the scene—despite Arya’s claims, no accomplices were found. The rescue operation was completed within a few hours, and the children were reunited with their crying families under tight security.

Investigators suspect that all this happened due to mental stress, and Arya has been charged under IPC sections of kidnapping, unlawful confinement and criminal intimidation. A mental health evaluation is underway, and police are investigating his YouTube channel to rule out any pre-existing threats. Joint Commissioner Satyanarayan Chaudhary stressed, “All the children are safe; our focus was on ensuring no harm.”

The incident highlights growing concerns over unregulated auditions and mental health in India’s entertainment industry, where child actors pursue their dreams in Bollywood. Powai residents appreciated the quick response, but the fear has reignited demands for tighter monitoring of the studios.