Model Rhiya Ahir Alleges Cyber Harassment After Viral Shivaji Park Protest Photo

Model Rhiya Ahir has approached the cyber police alleging extensive online harassment and targeted trolling following student protests at Shivaji Park in Dadar on July 22.

Ms. Ahir became the subject of widespread social media attention after an image of her blocking a police van carrying detained young protesters at Shivaji Park went viral. The photograph, which depicted Ms. Ahir in a grey hoodie standing firmly before the vehicle during rain-soaked demonstrations in Mumbai, emerged as one of the most striking images from the protests.

In her complaint to cyber police, Ms. Ahir alleged that she subsequently became the target of a coordinated online hate campaign. She stated that social media users subjected her to defamation, deep-fake videos, manipulated images, abusive language, misogynistic abuse, criminal intimidation, and targeted harassment.

To support her complaint, Ms. Ahir submitted screenshots, URLs, and digital evidence to the cyber police. She alleged that multiple social media accounts were systematically circulating abusive and defamatory content targeting her after her protest photo went viral online.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident in Dadar, Ms. Ahir stated that she grew concerned after noticing several protesters, including women, inside the police van. She said she had tried to help a woman get out of the vehicle but was stopped by police personnel.

After being stopped by officers, Ms. Ahir stood directly in front of the police vehicle to block its path and demanded that the detained protesters be released.