- Rhiya Ahir gained national attention from a viral protest video.
- She blocked a Mumbai police van carrying detained student protesters.
- Ahir confronted police over perceived unfair treatment of demonstrators.
- Her viral video garnered widespread public support, nationally and abroad.
A dramatic moment from the recent student protests in Mumbai has thrust 27-year-old model, actor and entreprenuer Rhiya Ahir into the national spotlight. A video showing her standing in front of a Mumbai Police van carrying detained demonstrators spread rapidly online, turning her into one of the most recognisable faces of the protest.
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A Chance Encounter That Turned Into A Viral Moment
Ahir said she was walking from Kohinoor Square in Dadar towards Shivaji Park on Wednesday when she noticed a police vehicle packed with detained protesters.
“The van was stuffed from the front to the back. There was no space to stand,” she told Hindustan Times.
Seeing the condition inside the vehicle unsettled her. Believing the demonstrators were being taken away unnecessarily, she immediately walked towards the van and positioned herself in front of it.
The model added, “I couldn’t help myself,” she said. “Their chants, they pulled me towards them. I was like, if I’m going for the protest, it starts from here. They’re taking them away, and I cannot let that happen.”
Confrontation With Police
According to Ahir, her action led to a tense exchange with police officers at the scene.
“They didn’t say anything. They knew that they were wrong,” said Ahir.
She claimed officers told her the detainees would be released after the van had travelled some distance. However, she questioned that explanation.
“If you’re going to release them anyway, release them now,” she insisted.
Ahir remained standing in front of the vehicle despite the confrontation.
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Rhiya Ahir Reacts After Protest Video Goes Viral
After the incident gained widespread attention online, Ahir shared a message on social media thanking people for their support.
“I woke up to something that cannot be put into words. It’s crazy how my courage has moved hundreds of thousands of people of the nation. I am even getting texts from abroad. I’ve just woken up. Taking it all in. Thankyou very very very much everyone. Now that we know what one person can do, chalo bhai kaam pe lag jao! Kaam abhi khatam nahi hua hai. Keep the momentum, keep showing up.”
Rhiya Ahir Reveals Her Next Steps After Viral Protest
Speaking about what she plans to do next, Rhiya Ahir said her actions did not begin with the now-viral moment in front of the police van. According to her, she had already started exercising her constitutional rights following what she described as police brutality during the protests.
In a conversation with NDTV, she said, “Me exercising my rights started about 2 days back when the police brutality happened. We all know they did a grave mistake and it is a big fumble of the Indian fundamental, constitutional law. I emailed to the Supreme Court, the High Court, the UN.”
She also urged greater attention towards those she believes have been most affected, saying the focus should remain on the people impacted rather than on her.
The model added, “If you want to talk about anything, take the name of the students who were injured, take the name of the students who committed suicide, take the name of the farmers, the dailts, the adivasis, the environment, dogs, women, nobody is happy. Can’t you see it? Be a man, own your mistakes.”
