In a shocking incident in Mumbai’s Powai area, it has been alleged that 16 children who had gone to attend what they believed was a film acting audition were held hostage by a group of individuals posing as casting agents. The incident has brought forth serious concerns over the safety of minors involved in the entertainment industry and the growing number of fake audition scams in the city.
According to police reports, the children, aged between 10 and 17 years, were invited through a social media advertisement promising roles in an upcoming web series. Parents were assured that the shoot would take place at a well-known production house in Powai. When the children arrived at the location, the so-called agents reportedly confiscated their phones and locked them inside a room under the pretext of “screen tests.”
Police rescue and arrests
Following a complaint, the Mumbai Police raided the place late in the evening and rescued all 16 children. Two men and a woman suspected to be part of the fake casting racket were arrested on the spot. Preliminary investigations indicated that the accused planned to demand ransom money from the parents, though police are still verifying the motive.
A police officer from Powai Police Station said, “We acted immediately after receiving the distress calls from parents. The children are safe and undergoing counseling. The accused will face strict legal action.”
Parents of the victims expressed outrage over the incident, calling for stronger verification procedures for casting calls and child safety guidelines for the film industry. “It’s terrifying that our children were trapped in the name of auditions. There should be proper registration for all casting agencies,” said one parent.
The incident has again highlighted the increasing number of fraudulent casting agencies operating in Mumbai that dupe young aspirants and their families. The Film Workers’ Association has urged parents to verify any audition or project through official production company websites before allowing minors to attend. The children were since reunited with their families, while police are continuing to investigate whether the accused are part of a larger child exploitation network.
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