Viral NEET protest video: Mumbai-based model Rhiya Ahir has approached the police over what she described as a sustained online harassment campaign following a video of her confronting a police vehicle during a protest linked to the NEET paper leak controversy.

The 27-year-old model alleged that the online abuse against her is not limited to criticism of her role in the protest. According to her complaint, old photographs and social media posts from her modelling career have been edited and shared online in an attempt to damage her reputation and target her family.

Rhiya Ahir said she was contacted by the police after her complaint was registered. She is now expected to approach officials from the Maharashtra Cyber Cell for further action.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tube Indian (@tube.indian)

Rhiya Ahir's video goes viral

Rhiya Ahir came into the spotlight after a video from a protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park spread widely on social media.

In the footage, she can be seen standing directly in front of a Mumbai Police van carrying detained protesters. She refused to move, leaving the vehicle unable to proceed until the protesters were released.

Speaking about the incident, Ahir said she had joined the demonstration over the NEET paper leak issue but did not personally know the people inside the police vehicle.

She said she became concerned after noticing several protesters, including women, inside the van.

According to her, she tried to help one of the women get out but was stopped by police personnel. She then decided to stand in front of the vehicle and demand that the protesters be released.

Also Read | Bihar AK-47 firing during student protest: Police officer suspended, matter reaches Supreme Court

Model says she was not trying to gain publicity

She also claimed that the police van's driver repeatedly revved the engine while she was standing in front of it, which she felt was an attempt to scare her. She said she remained in place while other protesters gathered around her.

The model said she never expected the incident to make her a widely recognised face of the NEET protest movement.

Rhiya Ahir maintained that her actions were spontaneous and came from her reaction to seeing fellow protesters being taken away by the police.

Also Read | Seattle Food Festival Shooting: 3 killed, 4 injured near Space Needle

- With inputs from agencies

Join Whatsapp Channel