Mumbai: Model Rhiya Yadav Ahir, who went viral after standing in front of a police van during the NEET paper leak protests in Mumbai, has approached the Maharashtra Police cyber cell, alleging that she was subjected to online harassment following the incident.

Rhiya said she had initially filed an online complaint and was later contacted by the cyber cell, prompting her to visit the Maharashtra Police cyber cell on Monday.

While her actions received widespread support on social media, she said she was also targeted by abusive and defamatory posts.

"Many will appreciate you and support you, but there are also some who choose to speak against you. Everyone has the right to express their opinion, but no one has the right to degrade someone, malign their reputation, attack their dignity publicly, or make statements suggesting that a person does not have the right to live. I would also like to clarify that the movement we started was not for any political party, religion, or individual. It was for all of us," she said.

Urging others facing similar abuse to speak out, Rhiya said, "As a woman, I want to tell others who may be facing similar situations that they are not alone. I am taking this stand to show that I will continue to speak up and stand for what is right."

The development comes days after the nationwide agitation over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak concluded following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

"We all know whose these people are. I will identify each one of them. When you get a platform, among the crores of people who are appreciating you, you will get a few who will speak against you. Everyone has the right to put forth their opinion, but nobody has the right to degrade or malign anyone...” Rhiya Yadav Ahir said. 

The 37-day protest, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), ended after the organisation withdrew its demonstration from Jantar Mantar, saying it had received assurances from the Centre regarding its demands.

The movement, which began as a satirical social media campaign, gained nationwide attention after Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and undertook a 26-day hunger strike. Several student leaders also participated in hunger strikes, while the July 20 "Chalo Sansad" march saw clashes between protesters and police, drawing criticism from opposition parties.

The agitation later received support from several opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, CPI MP P. Sandosh, former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad.