Welcome to theustales.com.
Imagine dropping your child at an audition, full of dreams about the big screen. Two hours later, you see police ladders, fire trucks, and your kid waving desperately from a locked window. That nightmare hit 17 families in Mumbai ’s Powai on October 30, 2025. A man named Rohit Arya turned hope into horror—until brave cops ended the standoff in under three hours.
Parents dropped off their kids at RA Studio in Powai, hoping for a chance in a web series. The studio had buzzed with excitement for days. Kids aged 10 to 15 came from all over Maharashtra. However, Thursday turned into a nightmare at 1:30 p.m.
A Man Locks the Door
Rohit Arya, 50, worked at the studio and ran auditions for the past few days. Suddenly, he locked 17 children inside a room along with two adults—one senior citizen and one other man. Arya held an airgun and bottles of chemicals.
You may Also Like:
His Video Shocked Everyone
Arya recorded a short video on his phone and sent it to news channels and police. “I am Rohit Arya,” he said clearly. “Instead of ending my life, I chose this plan.” Next, he listed simple demands. He wanted moral and ethical talks with certain people. Moreover, he asked questions that bothered him. “I am not a terrorist,” he repeated. “I want no money, just answers.”
A Dire Warning Followed
Arya grew tense in the video. “The smallest wrong step will push me,” he warned. Then, he threatened to set the room on fire. “Kids will get hurt for no reason,” he added. After that, panic spread outside the building.
Police Rush to the Spot
A parent called Powai police at 2:19 p.m. Senior Inspector Jitendra Sonawane answered first and saw kids waving for help from the first-floor window. Quick Response Teams arrived within minutes. Bomb squads checked for dangers, and fire brigade trucks parked nearby. They brought ladders and cutting tools.
Talks Begin, But Fail
Sonawane shouted up to Arya and asked, “What do you need?” Arya gave his phone number, and soon the inspector received a call. Arya spoke about lost money and claimed the government owed him dues. Sonawane promised to solve issues. “Tie my hands if you fear me,” he offered. Yet, Arya refused to open the door. Deputy Commissioner Datta Nalawade joined the talks, but Arya stayed firm.
Brave Entry Saves the Day
While officers kept Arya busy, others moved quietly. Firemen placed a ladder at the back bathroom window and cut the metal grill with hydraulic tools. Two policemen climbed inside. Arya noticed the movement and raised the airgun toward the kids. One officer fired a single shot, and the bullet hit Arya in the chest. He fell at once.
Kids Run to Safety
Police opened the door wide, and seventeen children rushed out crying. The senior citizen limped behind, and the other adult followed safely. Medics checked every child on the spot. Then, a school bus took them to hospital for extra care. Parents hugged their kids tightly. “All are safe,” Joint Commissioner Satya Narayan Chaudhary announced.
Arya’s Fight with the Government
Arya ran Apsara Media Entertainment Network and made awareness videos on social causes. Three years ago, he started Swachhata Monitor in schools. The Education Department approved it first in 2022 and paid ₹9.90 lakh for the pilot phase. Later, in 2023, they sanctioned ₹2 crore for Phase-2. However, Arya collected fees from schools on his own website. The department asked him to return the money, but he never replied. So, they stopped further payments.
Old Protests Come Back
Arya felt cheated and held a hunger strike against Minister Deepak Kesarkar. He protested in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur. In May 2025, police detained him outside a minister’s home. Kesarkar said he once paid Arya from his own pocket. “I followed every rule,” the minister told reporters. Arya still claimed ₹2 crore remained unpaid.
Political Voices Rise
Mumbai Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad spoke out and called the event “deeply disturbing.” Moreover, she blamed the state government. “Neglect put children in danger,” she said and asked for answers to scared parents.
Investigation Moves Fast
Crime Branch took over the case and sealed the studio. Officers recorded statements from kids and parents. They found motion sensors on stairs that linked to Arya’s phone. An airgun and chemicals sat on the table. Doctors declared Arya dead at 5:15 p.m.
A City Breathes Again
Powai streets filled with relief. Kids shared soft drinks with police, and parents thanked the brave teams. The three-hour drama ended without child injuries. Yet, questions about mental health and dues linger.
FAQs
How many children got trapped?
Seventeen children, plus one senior citizen and one other adult.
What weapon did Arya carry?
He held an airgun and bottles of chemicals.
Why did he take hostages?
Arya wanted to force talks about unpaid government dues for his school project.
Did police hurt any child?
No. Every child walked out safe and reached their parents.
What happens next?
Crime Branch investigates. They will check Arya’s claims and studio records.
Was Arya linked to the Education Department?
Yes. His firm got ₹9.90 lakh in 2022. Later approvals stopped over fee issues.