Foreign Disinformation Spark
Recent investigations by Noida Police have uncovered a disturbing foreign influence behind the escalating violence during factory worker protests in Gautam
Buddh Nagar. Authorities have pinpointed two specific X (formerly Twitter) handles that were actively disseminating false information across the platform. This deliberate spread of misinformation is believed to be the catalyst that reignited tensions and drew workers back to the protest sites, transforming what had begun as a peaceful dispersal into widespread rioting, vandalism, and arson. The timing of these posts is crucial, as they appeared precisely when workers were beginning to leave the area calmly, sowing confusion and inciting further confrontation with law enforcement. This revelation underscores a coordinated effort to disrupt peace through digital means.
Investigation and Arrests
Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh elaborated on the findings, confirming that the identified X handles are indeed operating from Pakistan. These accounts have a history of propagating misleading narratives concerning India's internal situations. The police have diligently collected technical data from the platform to substantiate these claims. As a result of this thorough investigation, 13 cases have been registered against these social media accounts and associated WhatsApp groups for their role in inciting laborers. Furthermore, CCTV footage of the destructive events has been instrumental in identifying 62 individuals who were involved in the conspiracy and subsequent acts of arson. Two key figures arrested for their direct involvement in instigating the violence are Manisha Chouhan from Gopalganj, Bihar, and Rupesh Roy, an auto-rickshaw driver from Chapra, Bihar. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend a third suspect, Aditya Anand, a B.Tech graduate from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
Protest Escalation Timeline
The factory worker protests in Noida's Phase 2 initially began on April 10, prompted by a 35% wage hike announced by the Haryana government for various labor categories. For the first few days, from April 10 to April 12, the agitation remained relatively subdued. However, the situation dramatically escalated on April 13, when organized violence erupted. This marked a turning point, leading to extensive damage to over 100 factories and the deliberate torching of numerous vehicles across the district. The rapid descent into widespread destruction was directly linked to the circulation of misleading information, turning a simmering discontent into a chaotic outburst that has necessitated significant police intervention and legal action, including the filing of 13 FIRs and the detention of 62 individuals.
