Who Is Rhiya Ahir? Woman who blocked police van during Mumbai students' protest goes viral

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities, which has spilled over into other states outside Delhi, has created yet another viral moment. This time it’s in Mumbai.

The viral video of a woman, in a hoodie and cap, blocking the path of a police van has, according to netizens, become a defining moment of the protests in Mumbai. The video shows the woman leaning on the vehicle with both hands on the bonnet as the driver looks on.

Mumbai's viral face

Soon after, a crowd gathered at the spot and started cheering for her as they raised slogans. According to an NDTV report, the woman, identified as Rhiya Ahir, was seen blocking the path of the police van during protests in Dadar.

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Speaking to reporters, Ahir alleged that police have not done their duties properly. "The police aren't doing their job responsibly. If they won't be responsible, then we will take responsibility for our citizens," she told reporters as quoted by NDTV.

'We will take responsibility'

She clarified that although she was not a student, she stands in solidarity with them. As for the alleged police crackdown on CJP supporters in Delhi during their march to the Parliament, she said, "What they (Delhi Police) did with the students the day before yesterday was wrong."

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The incident has made her an online sensation with a large number of netizens lauding her action and praising her as a “hero”.

"Mumbai's youth showed up today with rage in their hearts but peace in every gesture. They were manhandled, detained, but they protested with grace and fire, as is their right," stated Mumbai-based comedian Rohan Joshi in a post on Instagram.

Internet rallies behind her

According to her Instagram bio, Ahir is an actor, model, and entrepreneur with nearly 1 lakh followers. She has featured in several music videos, with her latest appearance in the song Dilbara. She also runs a personalised clothing brand, Rhiyasat, where she handcrafts garments.

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Mumbai witnessed demonstrations for a third consecutive day on Wednesday (July 22), with political parties, activists, and students protesting alleged exam irregularities and the police crackdown on CJP supporters. Protests were held at Shivaji Park, Chaityabhoomi, Chembur, and Shiv Sena Bhavan.

Protests spread across city

Meanwhile, another video from Chembur has also gained traction online. It shows a man walking up to a police van carrying detained protesters and opening its latch, allowing several youths to rush out and escape.

Also Read: 16 Delhi Metro stations shut amid CJP protest; commuters stranded

Police said the protest at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Udyan Chowk violated prohibitory orders. Officials added that 13 FIRs have been registered between July 18 and July 22, with nearly 400 people charged in connection with the ongoing protests.

Cases have been registered at different police stations, and notices were issued to those named in the FIRs, following which they were allowed to leave, officials said on Wednesday.

(With agency inputs)