Gautam Buddh Nagar Police arrested 396 people, including four women, after factory workers' violent protest in Noida's industrial belt demanding better wages. Officials suspect an organised syndicate, citing WhatsApp groups created via QR codes. Route marches continue since 5 am, with today's gatherings dispersed peacefully within 15 minutes.
On Monday, thousands of factory workers from dozens of units across Noida's industrial belt staged violent protests demanding better wages and working conditions. Protesters threw stones, smashed vehicles and set several on fire. The unrest followed the Haryana government's revision of minimum wages on April 9, effective from April 1, 2026.
Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said 396 people, including four women, have been arrested by Tuesday. "Route marches have been conducted continuously since 5 am. This morning, workers gathered at three locations; following immediate dialogue, they were peacefully dispersed within just 15 minutes," she added.
Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna stated in Lucknow that electronic and CCTV evidence has emerged pointing to individuals and groups who instigated the violence. "Some individuals and organisations have come to the fore who incited the situation. We have electronic evidence and other proof such as CCTV footage, on the basis of which action is underway," Krishna said.
Singh noted that several WhatsApp groups have been created over the last two days using QR codes to add workers, indicating an organised syndicate. "Certain elements within the crowd involved in such acts have been identified and arrested; further arrests will be ensured in due course. Their funding sources will also be investigated," she added.
