17 Children Rescued in Mumbai Siege: Hostage Taker Shot Dead

MUMBAI, Oct. 31 -- Seventeen teenagers between the ages of 12 and 15 were rescued from an audition theatre at Powai in Mumbai on Thursday afternoon following a dramatic three-and-a-half hour-long siege. A lone man, carrying an airgun and an inflammable spray, held the children hostage. The operation ended with a Mumbai police team shooting dead the man, identified as Pune resident Rohit Arya, aged 50.

Arya, who was married but had no children of his own, had a history of making short video films and running school cleanliness campaigns for the Maharashtra government during Eknath Shinde's tenure as chief minister. Recently, he had moved into his sister's apartment in Chembur and had rented RA Studio at Mahavir Classic, a commercial-cum-residential complex in Powai.

The incident began when Arya entered the theatre during a children's audition and barricaded the doors, demanding that no one leave. The children and their parents, who were present, were initially unaware of the severity of the situation. However, as the hours passed, the tension escalated, and the Mumbai police were called to the scene.

Upon arrival, the police set up a perimeter and began negotiations with Arya. They tried to persuade him to release the children, but he remained stubborn and threatened to harm the hostages if anyone tried to intervene. The negotiations continued for over three hours, with the police trying to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of the children.

Finally, the police decided to take action. A specialized team was deployed, and they managed to breach the theatre. In a swift operation, they neutralized Arya, who was shot dead. All 17 children were rescued unharmed and were immediately taken to a safe location for medical and psychological evaluation.

The incident has raised questions about the security measures in place at such venues and the need for better protocols to handle such emergencies. The Mumbai police have launched an investigation into the incident, and a team has been assigned to review the security arrangements at RA Studio and other similar venues in the city.

Local residents and parents of the children praised the police for their swift and effective response. They also expressed their relief that the children were safe and hope that such incidents can be prevented in the future.

The Mumbai police have also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. They emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining safety and security in the city.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Maharashtra government has announced a comprehensive review of security measures in public places, especially those frequented by children. The government has also offered support to the families of the children and is working to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance and counseling.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need for robust security measures to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. The bravery and quick action of the Mumbai police have once again demonstrated their commitment to the safety and well-being of the city's residents.