The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police, in coordination with the Special Task Force, has arrested the alleged mastermind behind the recent violent workers’ protests in Noida, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
The accused, identified as Aditya Anand, was apprehended at Tiruchirappalli Railway Station after evading authorities for several days. He had been declared a wanted individual with a reward of ₹1 lakh on his arrest.
Alleged Role in Orchestrating Violence
Police officials have described Anand as a central figure in planning and inciting violence during labour protests in the Gautam Buddh Nagar region earlier this week.
A case had been registered against him at Phase-2 police station, and a non-bailable warrant was issued by a local court. Authorities allege that Anand played a key role in organising provocative actions and mobilising workers during sit-ins and demonstrations that later turned violent.
Investigative agencies believe the unrest was premeditated rather than spontaneous, with coordinated efforts to escalate tensions on the ground.
Sequence of Events Leading to Unrest
According to police findings, preparations for the protests began in late March and early April. Digital mobilisation played a significant role, with WhatsApp groups reportedly created on April 9 and 10 using QR codes to coordinate participation.
Workers staged protests on April 10, followed by calls to block roads on April 11. Despite a reported peaceful resolution later that day, authorities allege that inflammatory speeches were delivered to reignite tensions.
On April 13, workers were mobilised again, gathering outside the Motherson facility, where incidents of violence, arson, and clashes with police were reported.
Police Flag ‘International Links’
Laxmi Singh, Commissioner of Noida Police, described the violence as a “mala fide, internationally organised activity,” naming Anand along with Manisha Chauhan and Rupesh Rai as key individuals involved in instigating the unrest.
Officials stated that some of the accused had a history of travelling across the country and appearing at protest sites over the past several years, raising suspicions of coordinated activism.
Role of Social Media and Misinformation
Authorities have also highlighted the role of misinformation in escalating the situation. Two social media accounts on X were allegedly used to spread provocative messages during the protests.
Police claim these accounts were operated from Pakistan using virtual private networks (VPNs) and had been active for several months. An FIR was registered at Sector 20 police station on April 13 in connection with the online activity.
Arrests and Expanding Investigation
So far, 62 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence, including those accused of arson and assaulting police personnel. Officials noted that many of those detained were not local labourers, with some reportedly arriving from outside the region.
Authorities have indicated that stringent legal action, including provisions under the National Security Act, may be invoked against those involved.
Central agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau and the Anti-Terrorism Squad have joined the probe, signalling the seriousness of the case.
Outlook
With the arrest of the prime accused, investigators are expected to intensify efforts to uncover the full extent of the alleged network behind the violence. Authorities have indicated that further arrests and legal action are likely as the probe continues.
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