A terrifying ordeal unfolded in the upscale Powai neighbourhood of Mumbai when a man armed with a knife took several children hostage under the guise of conducting a television audition.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at a residential flat where parents had brought their children believing they were attending a legitimate casting call. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Rohit Arya, had allegedly posed as a casting director to lure families to the location.
The Hostage Crisis Unfolds
According to police reports, the situation turned dangerous when Arya suddenly brandished a knife and locked the children inside the flat. Panicked parents immediately alerted authorities, sparking a major police response to the upscale residential building.
"We received information that a man was holding children hostage with a knife," confirmed a senior police official. "Our teams rushed to the spot and began negotiations immediately."
Dramatic Rescue Operation
Special police units surrounded the building as trained negotiators communicated with the armed suspect. After several tense hours, officers managed to secure the safe release of all children without injury.
"The children have been safely rescued and reunited with their parents," police stated. "They are being provided with necessary psychological support after this traumatic experience."
Suspect in Custody
Rohit Arya was apprehended at the scene and remains in police custody. Authorities are investigating his background and motives, including how he managed to convince multiple families that he was a legitimate casting director.
Police have warned parents to exercise extreme caution when responding to audition notices and to thoroughly verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be from the entertainment industry.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine if there are additional victims or if the suspect had accomplices in planning this disturbing scheme.
