Mumbai: Rhiya Yadav, also known as Rhiya Ahir, has filed a complaint with the MIDC Police Station in Mumbai alleging sustained online abuse and cyber harassment after she became the face of a recent student protest in the city.
Ahir gained widespread attention after a photograph showed her standing in front of a police van carrying detained protesters during a demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Shivaji Park on July 22.
According to Ahir, she had initially submitted a complaint through the cyber police portal and later visited the police station to complete the registration process. She alleged that she has been subjected to a coordinated online hate campaign involving defamatory content, manipulated images, misogynistic remarks, stalking, criminal intimidation, and targeted harassment.
She further claimed that she received unsolicited sexually explicit messages and has been subjected to repeated slut-shaming on social media. Ahir said the abuse is an attempt to spread hatred against her and expressed concern that the harassment could also affect her family. Police are expected to examine the complaint and initiate further action in accordance with cybercrime and criminal laws.
