All 17 children who had come for auditions at a Powai studio were rescued safely on Thursday after a man held them hostage in broad daylight, Mumbai police said. Officers forced entry through a bathroom and detained the suspect, identified as Rohit Arya. An airgun and some chemicals were recovered at the scene; the accused was taken to hospital for treatment and questioning.

A call was received at Powai police station around 2 pm reporting a hostage situation at RA Studio, where acting classes and auditions are regularly held. Multiple teams reached the spot and first tried to negotiate with the man, who remained adamant about his demands, police said. After talks failed, officers forced entry through a bathroom to reach the children, DCP Dutta Nalawade (Zone 10) said.

The children were

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