Noida Police Exposes Pakistan Connection in Recent Labor Unrest
Gautam Budh Nagar police have made a significant revelation regarding the labor unrest that shook the district earlier this week. On Thursday, authorities claimed to have uncovered a Pakistan link behind the disturbances, identifying two social media accounts from across the border that were actively spreading misinformation to incite violence.
False Narratives Amplified Through Social Media
Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh provided detailed insights into how the situation unfolded. During the workers' agitation on April 13, certain "undesirable elements" attempted to hijack the protest by circulating false claims through the social media platform X. These posts falsely alleged deaths of workers in police firing, a claim that officials have categorically denied as completely baseless.
According to Commissioner Singh, the police had initially brought the situation under control after the early unrest. However, later in the same day, the two identified X handles amplified a false narrative that was widely circulated online. This digital misinformation campaign led to renewed tension among workers who were returning from protest sites, threatening to reignite the volatile situation.
Technical Evidence Points to Foreign Origin
FIRs were promptly registered against these accounts at Sector 20 police station in GB Nagar. The police investigation took a crucial turn when technical data received from X on Thursday revealed that both handles were being continuously operated from Pakistan. "Their internet connectivity, IP addresses, and activity patterns clearly indicate a foreign origin," Singh stated. "The operators also used VPNs to mask their identity and location, attempting to conceal their cross-border activities."
Domestic Elements Under Investigation
Police are simultaneously investigating the role of a group named 'Mazdoor Bigul Dasta', whose members allegedly mobilized workers and provoked violence during the protests. Officials have identified three individuals — Rupeesh Roy, Manisha Chauhan, and Aditya Anand — who created several WhatsApp groups via QR codes. Each of these groups enrolled over 800 members, including workers from major industrial units like Motherson and Richa Industries.
These WhatsApp groups were reportedly formed around 2 am on April 10, shortly after Haryana announced a 35% increase in minimum wages. Police believe the timing was strategic, aiming to capitalize on existing worker discontent. The misinformation spread through these digital channels played a key role in provoking sections of workers and escalating the situation on April 13.
Return to Normalcy and Government Measures
The police commissioner reported that Noida has been peaceful for the past two days, with industrial units across the region resuming operations. Workers have returned to their duties in one to three shifts, signaling a gradual return to normal industrial activity. Police conducted flag marches and intensified patrolling to maintain order and prevent any resurgence of unrest.
Officials attributed this return to normalcy to several steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh government. These included acceptance of the high-level committee's recommendations on wage revision and the formation of a wage board specifically designed to address workers' concerns. "There is a genuine sense of satisfaction among workers following these decisions," Commissioner Singh noted. "They have resumed work peacefully, demonstrating their commitment to industrial harmony."
Appeal for Vigilance Against Misinformation
In a direct appeal to the public, Commissioner Singh urged workers and residents not to fall prey to rumors or provocation from any source. "Do not pay attention to unverified information circulating on social media or messaging platforms," she emphasized. "Report any such content to the police immediately. Gautam Budh Nagar has always been a peaceful district, and maintaining law and order is our collective responsibility."
The investigation continues as authorities work to identify further links and individuals involved in both the domestic and international aspects of the misinformation campaign. Police remain vigilant against any attempts to disrupt industrial peace through digital means or physical provocation.
