Mumbai Hostage Drama: Unpaid Rs 2 Crore Govt Dues Led to Studio Siege
A Mumbai studio hostage drama that ended with the death of the perpetrator was triggered by unpaid government dues of Rs 2 crore, police investigations reveal. Rohit Arya, who held 19 people including 17 teenagers hostage, was attempting to recover payment for a school education project completed during former minister Deepak Kesarkar’s tenure.
Key Developments
- Rohit Arya died after police stormed RA Studio in Powai
- He held 17 teenage auditioners and 2 others hostage for 2 hours
- Motive: Recover Rs 2 crore dues from 2023 ‘Swachhta Monitor’ project
- Former minister Deepak Kesarkar denies direct involvement
- All hostages rescued safely during police operation
The Hostage Crisis Unfolds
The dramatic incident began around 1:45 PM on Thursday at RA Studio in Powai, a popular venue for acting classes and auditions. Arya, who worked at the studio, took advantage of approximately 100 children present for morning auditions to execute his “hostage plan.”
Police said Arya was armed with an air gun, chemicals, and a lighter, threatening to set the building ablaze if his demands weren’t met. His primary demand: to speak with former education minister Deepak Kesarkar and other officials about his pending payment.
“I am not a terrorist; neither am I seeking money. I wish to talk to some people,” Arya said in a video message during the siege.
Police Operation and Rescue
Mumbai Police launched a 30-minute rescue operation after being alerted by hostages who managed to signal passersby from the first-floor studio. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dutta Nalawade described how police entered through a toilet window when Arya refused to release the hostages.
“The shootout was triggered by Arya, who opened fire at policemen using his air gun,” police officials confirmed. The incident caused widespread panic in Powai, with authorities establishing a security perimeter and evacuating the area. A Quick Reaction Team was deployed amid initial fears of a terror attack.
Payment Dispute Background
Arya, a Pune resident, had repeatedly attempted to resolve the Rs 2 crore payment issue through official channels without success. The amount was for work completed under the “Swachhta Monitor” project in 2023, part of the “Mera School Ek Sunder School Hai” campaign.
In his final video message, Arya explained he felt “pushed to suicide” but chose the hostage drama as an alternative way to reach the officials he needed to speak with.
Former Minister’s Response
Deepak Kesarkar, former school education minister, denied direct responsibility in the payment dispute. He acknowledged Arya’s contract but suggested the businessman violated protocols.
“Rohit Arya had come with a concept called ‘Swachhta Monitor’ and he was given a contract. However, he indulged in some direct monetary dealings,” Kesarkar told reporters.
“He should have spoken to the department and resolved the matter as he was undertaking government work. Holding people hostage is not a solution,” the former minister added.
Police described Arya as appearing “mentally unstable” during the incident. The hostage crisis concluded with all 19 captives rescued safely, while Arya succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during the police operation.
