Rhiya Ahir, model who became viral after stopping police bus, faces online abuse; files complaint

Mumbai-based model Rhiya Ahir has filed a police complaint alleging an organised online hate campaign after a video of her standing in front of a Mumbai Police vehicle during a protest went viral on social media. Ahir claimed she has received abusive messages, threats and defamatory content since the video gained widespread attention, prompting her to seek legal action.

The viral video showed Ahir standing in front of a police vehicle carrying detained protesters during a demonstration linked to the ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in the education system. The incident drew significant attention online, with the footage widely shared across social media platforms and making Ahir one of the most recognisable faces of the protest movement.

In her complaint, Ahir alleged that she has been subjected to sustained online harassment, including abusive messages, threats and attempts to malign her reputation. She urged the police to identify those responsible for the alleged campaign and take appropriate legal action. The complaint seeks an investigation into the online posts and messages targeting her following the circulation of the viral video.

Ahir has previously stated that she joined the protest out of a sense of responsibility despite not being directly affected by the issues being raised. She has maintained that her participation was intended to support a peaceful demonstration and has rejected attempts to portray her actions differently through social media campaigns.

The complaint comes amid continued public attention surrounding the protest and the viral footage. Authorities are expected to examine the allegations of online abuse and determine whether any offences have been committed under applicable laws as part of the investigation.