Rohit Arya, who held 19 people, including 17 children, hostage at Ra Studio in Mumbai’s Powai area on Thursday, has been embroiled in controversy before. In addition to a funding dispute with the Maharashtra Education Department, a private fee collection case, and a check dispute with the Education Minister, he was also embroiled in a rent dispute in Pune’s Kothrud area earlier this year. According to media reports, a 36-month lease agreement for a flat in Shivtirth Nagar was signed in the name of Rohit’s wife, Anjali Arya, in October 2024. Landlord Deshpande later stated that due to complaints from neighbors, he sent the Arya couple a notice to vacate the house within a month. Rohit neither vacated the house nor paid the rent. On March 2, 2025, the landlord sent them a legal notice, but Rohit instead demanded compensation of ₹2 lakh. 4 more controversies of Arya 1. Fund dispute with Maharashtra Education Department 2. Private fee collection case 3. Dharna and hunger strike 4. Personal cheque dispute with Education Minister Rohit was killed in an encounter Rohit Arya had taken 19 people hostage including 17 children at Ra Studio in Powai, Mumbai on 30 October 2025. He claimed to be the owner of a media company and had called the children on the pretext of a film audition. All the people including the children were rescued by 8 commandos of the Quick Response Team in 35 minutes. Rohit was killed in an encounter. Arya’s last rites were performed in Pune on Saturday morning. His wife, son and family members were present at the last rites. Accused Rohit had said – I just want to ask a few questions. 3 pictures of the rescue operation… ——————————- Read this news also… Mumbai hostage case, child’s grandmother said – the accused behaved well: demanded ₹1 crore each from 4 parents. Elderly woman Mangala Patankar told many things about the accused who took 19 people, including 17 children, hostage at RA Studio in Powai, Mumbai on Thursday. She had taken her granddaughter for an audition. While the police were working outside to rescue the children, Mangala also played an important role in saving the children. She also suffered head injuries from glass shards. She is currently hospitalized. Read the full news…
