Noida Workers Protest: In a major revelation, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have found that many individuals involved in arson and stone-pelting during the recent violent protests in Noida were neither workers nor associated with the companies whose employees had taken part in the demonstrations.

Thousands of factory workers in Noida staged protests on Monday, demanding higher wages and additional benefits. The agitation turned violent in parts, with incidents of arson, stone-pelting and vandalism reported.

ccording to officials, 17 individuals have been identified in the arson incidents, with 11 arrested so far – out of which 8 are not workers. In a broader crackdown, 32 people have been identified for inciting violence during the protests, of whom 19 have been arrested. Police have also arrested four other individuals on charges of conspiracy in connection with the unrest.

‘Urban Naxal Networks’

Notably, 34 of those arrested in the Noida labour dispute case are reportedly not workers. In total, of the 66 arrests made so far, 45 individuals are said to have no links to any labour groups.

Officials suggested that some of the accused are linked to groups like “Mazdoor Bigul” and alleged “urban Naxal” networks. This came after UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warned against allowing external elements to interfere in factory operations.

Adityanath held a late-night virtual meeting with senior officials and issued strict directives to officials, including immediate action against those spreading rumours and misinformation, along with continuous monitoring of social media.