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Mumbai model Rhiya Ahir, who stood before police van, alleges online ‘slut-shaming’, bullying
Rhiya Ahir has accused several social media content creators of falsely claiming that she produces and sells adult content through her social media accounts.
Rhiya Ahir has filed a police complaint, alleging defamation, 'slut-shaming' and online harassment post her viral video | Source: Instagram/Cockroach Janta Party
Rhiya Ahir, the 27-year-old Mumbai model who stood in front of a police van escorting detained Shivaji Park protesters, has alleged sustained harassment, bullying, ‘slut-shaming’ and defamation on social media after her images and videos went viral during the protests in the city. In a police complaint, Rhiya Ahir has alleged that she has been ‘slut-shamed’ and fears it could affect her real life, her family’s safety and reputation.
She has also accused several social media content creators of falsely claiming that she produces and sells adult content through her social media accounts. Denying these allegations, Rhiya said her bank account is not linked to any such platform and claimed the allegations were being deliberately circulated to tarnish her reputation.
She has urged the Mumbai Police to register an FIR and initiate legal action against those circulating such “defamatory” claims on social media.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade has confirmed receiving Rhiya Ahir’s complaint. It has been forwarded to the MIDC police station for verification. She is also expected to approach the Maharashtra Cyber Police regarding the circulation of defamatory content against her.
“Her online complaint has been received and forwarded to the local police station for verification of the facts,” Nalawade said.
The Shivaji Park protest
Rhiya Ahir, aka Rhiya Yadav, became an overnight symbol of resistance and defining faces of the Shivaji Park protest after a video went viral showing her, in a rain-soaked hoodie, stood before a police van, during the Shivaji Park protest in support of the Cockroach Janta Party-led (CJP) demonstrators in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The van was carrying young protesters detained after demonstrations against leaks in most-competitive entrance exams, in in Mumbai.
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Since the NEET paper leak in May, the CJP movement, started as a political satirical on social media, has grown beyond police complaints, drawing thousands of youngsters, professionals and families onto the streets.
The protest was withdrawn on Saturday, July 25, after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union education minister.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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