Mumbai witnessed high drama on Thursday after 20 children were rescued from a suspected hostage situation in the city’s Powai area. The tense standoff lasted nearly four hours, before the Mumbai Police’s Quick Response Team (QRT) and local officers safely freed all the children without any casualties.
According to police officials, the incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m., when a call was received at the Powai police station reporting that a man had locked several children inside a private daycare centre near Hiranandani Gardens. The accused, reportedly a former employee of the facility, was said to be mentally unstable and had demanded to speak to the centre’s owner.
Police swiftly cordoned off the area and initiated negotiations, ensuring that parents and bystanders were kept at a safe distance. After failed talks, a QRT team stormed the premises, overpowering the accused and rescuing all 20 children, aged between 4 and 10 years.
Mumbai Police Commissioner Viren Kumar praised the officers for their quick response, stating, “Our teams acted with precision and restraint. All children are safe and receiving medical check-ups.” The accused has been detained, and a case has been registered under sections related to wrongful confinement and endangerment of minors.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as parents rushed to the area upon hearing the news. Local residents later lauded the police’s professionalism and composure during the operation.
The rescued children were reunited with their families by late afternoon. Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the security lapses that allowed the incident to occur.
