Mumbai-based model Rhiya Ahir, who became the viral face of the CJP protest over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak after stopping a police van carrying detained demonstrators, has filed a cyber complaint alleging online harassment, threats and defamation.
Ahir approached the MIDC Police Station alleging that she has been subjected to relentless trolling and abuse on social media ever since videos of her confronting the police went viral.
"People have started speaking against me because when you have millions of people supporting you, there will also be some who try to pull you down. These are those very people, and I want to tell them that the whole world is watching. We will hold you accountable for trying to shame us, and we will not let you get away with it," IANS quoted Ahir.
Alleges Threats, Deepfakes and Misogynistic Abuse
In her complaint, Ahir said she had been receiving threats, vulgar and obscene messages over social media. She also complained of a systematic online hate campaign against her comprising defamation, intimidation, women-shaming remarks, harassment and the sharing of deepfake videos.
To ensure action is taken, she presented screenshots, URLs and other digital forms of the allegedly abusive materials to the police. Following her complaint, the cyber police registered a case to look into the case and identify the concerned persons.
Viral After Stopping Police Van During Protest
Ahir gained national attention on July 22 when she blocked the path of a police van ferrying protestors near Shivaji Park in Mumbai's Dadar area. The van contained arrested activists protesting over irregularities and paper leaks related to NEET-UG 2026, calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Standing at the front of the parked grey police van with her hands resting on the vehicle’s bonnet, Ahir quickly became one of the most recognisable faces in the protest, with photographs and video clips of her going viral over the internet.