Mumbai, Oct. 30 -- Seventeen children, a senior citizen and another civilian were taken hostage in broad daylight on Thursday at a studio in Mumbai's Powai area, sparking panic and a large-scale police operation, media reports said.

All the children were rescued shortly after the incident, and the suspect was arrested.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade said air guns and chemicals were recovered from the spot, adding that the suspect had acted alone.

Eyewitnesses earlier said they had seen several children peering through the studio's glass windows.

In a video message, the suspect identified himself as Rohit Arya and said he had "made a plan" and taken the children hostage to compel certain people to talk to him.

Arya also ...