Mumbai Model Behind Viral Police Van Standoff Files Complaint Over 'Coordinated' Online Abuse
Mumbai Model Behind Viral Police Van Standoff Files Complaint Over 'Coordinated' Online Abuse Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026, 11:11 IST The 27-year-old claimed
Mumbai Model Behind Viral Police Van Standoff Files Complaint Over 'Coordinated' Online Abuse Published By, Last Updated: July 27, 2026, 11:11 IST The 27-year-old claimed the abuse she has faced extends beyond criticism of her role in the protest and is part of a coordinated attempt to tarnish her reputation. Speaking about the incident, Rhiya said she was shaking inside but felt compelled to act. (Image: File photo/Instagram@Rhiyaahir) Rhiya Ahir, the Mumbai-based model who went viral after standing in front of a police van carrying detained protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak, filed a police complaint alleging a sustained online hate campaign against her. The 27-year-old claimed the abuse she has faced extends beyond criticism of her role in the protest and is part of a coordinated attempt to tarnish her reputation.
According to her complaint, old photographs and social media posts from her modelling career have been edited and circulated online to slut-shame her and target members of her family. Following the registration of her complaint, Rhiya Ahir said she was contacted by police officials and is expected to meet Maharashtra Cyber Cell authorities to pursue the matter further. Read more: Who Is Rhiya Ahir? The Mumbai Woman Whose Defiant Stand In Front Of A Police Van Is Going Viral Who Is Rhiya Ahir? Rhiya Ahir shot to prominence after a video of her standing in front of a Mumbai Police van at Shivaji Park during the CJP’s protest went viral on social media. The vehicle, carrying detained protesters, remained stationary as she refused to move, demanding that those inside be released.
Rhiya Ahir said she had joined the protest over the alleged NEET paper leak but did not personally know any of the people detained inside the police vehicle. “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 earlier said. She also alleged that the driver repeatedly revved the engine in an attempt to intimidate her but she remained in front of the vehicle as other protesters gathered around in support. Rhiya Ahir said she never expected to become one of the most recognisable faces of the NEET protest movement, maintaining that her actions were a spontaneous response to seeing fellow protesters being detained.
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