‘They knew they were wrong’: Woman who stopped police van packed with detained protesters

Rhiya Ahir, a 27-year-old model, stopped a police van packed with detained protesters at Shivaji Park on July 22, 2026.

Ahir stood in front of the van and refused to move, leading to a heated exchange with police officers.

Police attempted to accelerate but Ahir did not budge, and officers eventually released the detainees.

The incident went viral on social media, making Ahir a widely recognized figure.

Ahir said she acted because she believed the police were wrong and could not stand by.