Police in Mumbai say they have safely rescued 17 children and two adults from a man who claimed to have taken them hostage at an acting school where the children had gathered for an audition.
The official said officers first tried to negotiate with the hostage-taker but as he was “adamant”, they “used force” to enter the building in the busy Powai neighbourhood.
Officers entered the studio through the bathroom window and later said they had found an airgun and an unspecified chemical.
The suspect, named by police as Rohit Arya, was shot during the rescue operation and later died in hospital, police said.
The incident caused widespread panic and parents of the children and local residents gathered outside the building.
Indian news channels have been running a video of the suspect who is heard saying he had taken the children hostage because he wanted to ask some questions of some unspecified people.
Introducing himself as Rohit Arya, he warned that “the slightest wrong move will trigger me” and threatened to set the place on fire.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade said officers were now searching the property but did not give further details.
BBC
