Hostage crisis in Mumbai: Culprit's past tenancy dispute revealed
What's the story
The recent hostage crisis in Mumbai, where 17 children were held hostage by Rohit Arya, has brought to light his troubled past. On Saturday, Ocober 30 at RA Studio in Powai, Arya was shot by the police during a rescue operation. Before this, it was learned that he was involved in a lengthy tenancy dispute that ended with police intervention earlier this year.
Dispute details
The start of the tenancy dispute
The tenancy dispute started after Arya and his wife Anjali, rented a flat in Shivtirth Nagar, Kothrud. However, India Today reported that after the couple moved in, neighbours and other residents in the society started complaining about their inappropriate behaviour. The landlord, Deshpande, issued an eviction notice as the complaints increased. Despite the notice, Arya refused to vacate and allegedly, even stopped paying rent. In March 2025, Deshpande sent a legal notice asking them to leave the premises.
Compensation dispute
Settlement details
Despite denying the allegations, Arya demanded ₹2 lakh as compensation to vacate the flat. After further written exchanges, Deshpande agreed to pay ₹1.75 lakh as compensation, and a stamp paper agreement was signed mentioning the amount. However, despite this settlement, the couple refused to leave and stayed in the flat till May when they finally vacated it.
Crisis details
Details of the hostage crisis
The hostage crisis began when Arya invited 17 children for a fake audition at RA Studio. Armed with an airgun and flammable spray, he took the children hostage. Parents of the children raised alarm when their children didn't return for lunch, prompting police action. A video released by Arya before the incident revealed his motive was to demand unpaid dues from the Maharashtra education department.
Rescue operation
Details of the police rescue operation
The police launched a rescue operation with multiple teams, including the Quick Response Team (QRT), bomb squad, and fire brigade. They negotiated with Arya while others entered throughthrough duct lines with help from the fire brigade. When negotiations failed, Amol Waghmare from the anti-terrorist cell of Powai shot Arya in the chest to protect the hostages. Despite being rushed to Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Hospital, he was declared dead on arrival.