Model Alleges Online Abuse, Deepfakes After Mumbai Protest

Mumbai: Rhiya Ahir, a 27-year-old model who was photographed blocking a Mumbai Police vehicle during a student protest in the city last week, has lodged a complaint with the cyber police alleging sustained online harassment following the circulation of images and videos of the demonstration.

The complaint was filed at the MIDC police station, where Ahir alleged that she had been subjected to deepfake videos, manipulated photographs, defamatory posts, misogynistic abuse, criminal intimidation and coordinated trolling on social media after the protest gained widespread attention online. She also alleged that she had received threats and lewd comments on her social media accounts.

According to the complaint, old photographs and posts from her modelling career were edited and recirculated online in an attempt to damage her reputation and target her family. Ms Ahir submitted screenshots, URLs and other material as evidence. Police have launched an investigation based on her complaint. She said she had initially filed an online First Information Report (FIR) and was later contacted by police officials and the Maharashtra Cyber Cell as part of the investigation.

Ahir came into the public spotlight after a video from the protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park went viral on social media. The footage showed her standing in front of a Mumbai Police van carrying detained protesters, preventing the vehicle from moving until the protesters were released.

Responding to allegations that her actions were intended to attract publicity, Ahir reiterated that she had participated in the protest as part of a larger movement and not for personal or political gain. “I did not participate in the protests for publicity or political reasons,” she said.