Story perspectives

Model blocks police van, viral image sparks abuse backlash

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rhiya Ahir, a model, blocked a police van carrying detained protesters, sparking an image that went viral and prompting abuse that accused her of seeking attention, selling content, and issuing rape threats.
Women have joined protests over education system and faced doxxing and sexual or acid attack threats.
Kangana Ranaut called the protesters a “generation of women,” labeled them “Generation Gutter” and said they have nothing to offer the system.

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Story summary

Rhiya Ahir, a model, blocked a police van carrying detained protesters, sparking an image that went viral and prompting abuse that accused her of seeking attention, selling content, and issuing rape threats.
Women have joined protests over education system and faced doxxing and sexual or acid attack threats.
Kangana Ranaut called the protesters a “generation of women,” labeled them “Generation Gutter” and said they have nothing to offer the system.