A tense three-hour hostage crisis in Mumbai’s Powai ended on Thursday evening after police rescued 19 people, including 17 children, from RA Studio. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Rohit Arya, was shot dead during the rescue. Arya had locked the children and a few adults inside the studio during what was supposed to be a film audition. He threatened to set the room on fire and refused to surrender despite repeated police appeals. The operation ended around 4.30 pm after officers entered through a bathroom window. All hostages were safely rescued. Police are investigating Arya’s motive. (PC: India Today)

Rohit Arya, a self-proclaimed filmmaker who held 19 people hostage, including 17 aspiring child actors at his Mumbai studio Thursday, died from bullet injuries during a police standoff. The children, approximately 15 years old, had arrived for auditions at RA Studio in Powai's L&T building area. Before his death, Arya released a chilling video threatening to burn the studio unless allowed to "talk to certain people" and ask questions, claiming no financial demands. He stated he took hostages instead of attempting suicide, wanting "simple moral and ethical" conversations. Police swiftly rescued all hostages safely. Joint Commissioner Satyanarayan confirmed everyone's safety. Arya appeared mentally unstable, authorities said, investigating his motives behind this dramatic incident.

A hostage crisis erupted in Mumbai's Powai area Thursday when studio employee Rohit Arya held 15-20 children captive, threatening their lives. The suspect released a disturbing video message demanding to speak with "certain people," warning the children would be harmed otherwise. Mumbai Police responded with swift action, successfully rescuing all children unharmed. Arya has been detained and is currently in police custody undergoing interrogation. Authorities are working to establish his motive while investigating potential mental health concerns that may have triggered the incident. The dramatic rescue operation concluded without casualties, though the incident has raised serious questions about security protocols and employee screening at public facilities hosting children.

A man was arrested on Thursday after taking at least 20 children hostage at an acting studio in Mumbai’s Powai. Police said the suspect, identified as Rohit Arya, appeared mentally unstable and claimed he wanted to speak to former Maharashtra education minister Deepak Kesarkar. Arya had released a video threatening to “set everything on fire” if his demands were not met. A joint police and fire brigade team rescued all the children safely after breaking into the studio. Officers recovered a weapon-like object from the man, who is now in custody as investigations continue. (PC: HT)

A man named Rohit Arya was arrested after holding at least 17 children hostage at a studio in Mumbai’s Powai on Thursday. In a video released before his arrest, Arya said, “Don’t trigger me. I’m not a terrorist. I have simple, moral and ethical demands.” Police launched a swift rescue operation and freed all the children safely. No injuries were reported. Officers are now questioning Arya to understand his motives and verify his claims. The incident caused panic in the area before police brought the situation under control. (PC: NDTV)

The detention of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, 1980, faces Supreme Court scrutiny after his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, filed a petition alleging serious procedural violations. She argued that the detention relied on outdated FIRs, many not naming Wangchuk, and that the grounds were not provided within the legal time frame under Sections 8 and 11 of the NSA. The plea also claims the detaining authority failed to apply an independent mind. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria has sought the Union Government’s response to these allegations. (PC: X)

President Murmu completed a 30-minute flight in a Rafale jet at the Ambala Air Force Station, becoming the first Indian President to fly in two fighter aircraft. She was pictured standing with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh — a woman Rafale pilot who had previously been falsely claimed by Pakistan to have been shot down and captured during Operation Sindoor — thus publicly dispelling the misinformation. Singh, who joined the IAF in 2017 and qualified on the Rafale in 2020 after flying the MiG-21 Bison, was felicitated earlier this month for earning her Qualified Flying Instructor badge. (PC: X)

Arpita Patra, a professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has climbed the highest volcanic peaks of four continents. Her latest success came on October 24, when she summited Pico de Orizaba in Mexico, the tallest volcanic peak in North America. Earlier, she scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mt. Elbrus in Europe, and Mt. Giluwe in Oceania. Prof. Patra began her mountaineering journey in 2024 and trained daily with a four-hour fitness routine. She said climbing Pico de Orizaba was her most difficult and fulfilling climb so far. (PC: The Hindu)

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday flew in a Rafale fighter jet for a 30-minute sortie at the Ambala Air Force Station. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also flew in another aircraft from the same base. Wearing a G-suit and helmet, the President waved from the cockpit before takeoff and received a ceremonial guard of honour. The Rafale jets were key to India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ against terror camps in Pakistan earlier this year. The PIB later denied fake videos claiming she made political remarks. Rafale aircraft were inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2020.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested Danish Chikna, a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, from Goa. He is accused of managing Dawood’s drug network across India. The arrest is part of a larger crackdown on the don’s drug operations. Earlier, Dubai-based handler Mohammed Salim Sheikh was deported to India and arrested in connection with the same case. So far, 15 people have been arrested, and drugs and assets worth over ₹256 crore have been seized. Officials said the network was linked to a major mephedrone manufacturing unit in Maharashtra. (PC: News18/ Social media)