Rhiya Yadav, a Mumbai-based model who became the viral face of the NEET paper leak protest, has filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Maharashtra Police cyber cell over online harassment. The complaint was lodged after she faced abusive and harassing content on social media following her widely shared act of standing in front of a police van transporting protesters, according to livemint.com.
The incident that brought Rhiya Yadav into the spotlight occurred during the NEET protest in Mumbai, where she stood defiantly in front of a police vehicle. While many social media users praised her courage, she also became the target of significant online abuse. In response, Yadav approached the cyber cell to report the harassment, emphasizing her stance as a woman seeking to address the issue of online abuse, as detailed by livemint.com.
The NEET protest has drawn national attention, with several participants facing backlash both offline and online. Yadav’s case highlights the challenges faced by women activists and public figures in India who confront harassment in digital spaces. The filing of the FIR underscores growing concerns about cyber harassment and the need for stronger protections for individuals speaking out in protests, according to livemint.com.
The Maharashtra Police cyber cell is now investigating the complaint filed by Rhiya Yadav. The FIR filing took place on July 27, 2026, marking a significant step in addressing online harassment linked to public protests in Mumbai, as reported by livemint.com.