Mumbai/IBNS, July 23 -- A 27-year-old woman in a hoodie and skull cap, standing alone in front of a police van carrying detained NEET protesters and refusing to let it pass, has become one of the defining images of the nationwide agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police crackdown on protesters.

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 respon...