Why Rhiya Ahir, Who Famously Blocked Police Van During Mumbai NEET Protest, Approached Cyber Cell
Mumbai model Rhiya Ahir, who went viral after standing before a police van during the CJP NEET paper leak protest, has filed a complaint alleging a coordinated online hate campaign against her. She claimed manipulated photos and social media posts were circulated to target her and her family. Ahir is expected to approach the Maharashtra Cyber Cell for further action.
Mumbai-based model Rhiya Ahir, who gained attention after a video of her standing in front of a police van carrying detained protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) NEET paper leak agitation went viral, has filed a complaint alleging a sustained online hate campaign against her.
The 27-year-old model alleged that the online abuse she faced was not limited to criticism of her participation in the protest but was part of a coordinated effort to damage her reputation. She claimed that old photographs and social media posts from her modelling career were manipulated and circulated online to target her and her family. Who Is Rhiya Ahir? All About Mumbai Actress Going Viral for Stopping Police Van During Student Protests.
Complaint Filed Over Alleged Online Harassment
Following the registration of her complaint, Ahir said she was contacted by police officials and is expected to meet Maharashtra Cyber Cell authorities to take the matter forward. She alleged that the circulation of altered images and personal content was aimed at slut-shaming her and creating a negative public perception.
Ahir became widely known after a video from Shivaji Park showed her standing in front of a Mumbai Police van carrying detained protesters during the CJP agitation. In the video, Ahir can be seen refusing to move from the path of the vehicle, preventing it from moving until the detained protesters were released. Mumbai Woman Rhiya Ahir Hailed As ‘Fearless’ After Viral Video Shows Her Blocking Police Van During CJP Protest.
Speaking to India Today TV last week, Ahir said she had joined the protest over the NEET paper leak controversy but did not personally know the people inside the police vehicle. She said she intervened after seeing protesters, including women, inside the van.
"I saw people stuffed inside the van. I tried to pull a woman out, but the police stopped me. So I stood in front of the vehicle and demanded that they be released," she had said.
Ahir also alleged that the driver of the police van repeatedly revved the engine in an attempt to intimidate her, but she remained in place as other protesters gathered around the vehicle in support.
She said she never expected to become one of the most recognisable faces of the NEET protest movement and described her action as a spontaneous response after seeing fellow protesters being taken away by police. The complaint is now being examined by authorities, with further action expected after the Cyber Cell's assessment.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 02:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
