Police rescue 20 children held hostage at studio

In a tense and dramatic rescue operation in Mumbai's Powai area on Thursday, police successfully freed 20 children who were allegedly held hostage by a social media channel owner inside RA Studio. The suspect, identified as Rohit Arya, was disarmed of an air gun and detained after a nearly 30-minute standoff that gripped the neighborhood in fear and confusion.

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A view of the RA studio in Powai area of Mumbai.

According to police officials, Arya had reportedly taken the children hostage following an audition round at the acting studio, which is well-known for hosting workshops and training sessions for aspiring young performers. Authorities said Arya circulated a disturbing video message online, claiming he had taken the children captive and would set the studio and its occupants on fire unless certain unnamed individuals agreed to speak with him.