Mumbai model Rhiya Ahir, who blocked a police van, files cyber complaint over online threats; harassment
Mumbai-based model Rhiya Ahir, who became a symbol of protest after standing in front of a police van carrying detained demonstrators, has approached the cyber police alleging online threats, harassment and abuse following her viral act.
Ahir has filed a complaint at the MIDC Police Station, claiming that she has been subjected to sustained trolling, obscene comments and intimidation on social media platforms.
Allegations of hate campaign and deepfake videos
In her complaint, Ahir alleged that she was targeted through a coordinated online campaign involving defamation, misogynistic abuse, threats and harassment.
She also claimed that deepfake videos and misleading content were circulated against her, causing distress and damage to her reputation.
Ahir submitted screenshots, social media links and other evidence related to the alleged abusive content to the police.
Following her complaint, authorities have begun an investigation and are attempting to identify those behind the alleged online attacks.
Viral moment at Mumbai protest
Ahir shot to public attention on July 22 when she blocked a police van near Shivaji Park in Mumbai's Dadar.
The vehicle was carrying protesters who had been detained during demonstrations demanding the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Images of Ahir standing in a grey hoodie with her hand placed on the bonnet of the police vehicle went viral on social media, with many praising her act as a show of defiance.
The "Tiananmen square" moment of this protest. A young woman identified as Rhiya Ahir stood in front of a police van as protest against paper leaks caught up with Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/B6NK4kGvMN
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) July 23, 2026
‘I acted on instinct’: Ahir
Speaking about the incident, Ahir said she acted instinctively after believing that the authorities were taking the wrong course of action.
"I could do it because I knew that the police were in the wrong. You must know your rights," she told NDTV in an interview.
She later said she was still processing the attention her action received, adding that what felt like a natural response to her had become an extraordinary moment for many people watching it.
Police probe underway
The cyber police are now examining the material submitted by Ahir and investigating the alleged threats and abusive content.
The complaint comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the NEET paper leak protests, which have triggered demonstrations across several cities and drawn reactions from political parties and civil society groups.
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