The photograph and videos of the woman, identified as Rhiya Ahir, have gone viral across social media, with many online users hailing her act as one of courage and defiance.

The incident took place during a protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, where police had detained several demonstrators.

As a police van carrying the detained protesters attempted to leave, Ahir stepped in front of the vehicle with her arms outstretched, refusing to make way.

According to reports, she first demanded that police explain the legal basis for the detentions. When officers allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory response, she continued walking alongside the van before eventually standing directly in its path.

Why did she stop the police van?

Explaining her actions, Ahir said she was angered by the treatment of students during the protests in Delhi.

Claiming that she was not a student, Ahir said: "What they did with students in Delhi was wrong."

She argued that the detained protesters had the right to know why they were being taken into custody and that the police should have justified their actions.

"I understand they are doing their job, but they are not acting responsibly. If they are not responsible, we will take the responsibility as citizens. This is why I stopped the vehicle."

Did her protest have any impact?

According to multiple reports, the standoff continued until the detained protesters were eventually released.

Images and videos of Ahir confronting the police van quickly spread across social media, turning her into one of the most recognisable faces of the ongoing NEET protests.

While many supporters praised her as a symbol of civil resistance and solidarity with students, others criticised the act as being performative, triggering a wider debate online over the role of citizen activism during the protests.