14 April,2026 03:49 PM IST | Noida | mid-day online correspondent
Police arrests over 350 after protest turns violent (Pic/PTI)
Gautam Buddha Nagar Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) on Tuesday said that over 350 people have been arrested in connection with the recent workers' protests. Senior police officers also claimed that the accused, who have been arrested, were "misusing" social media platforms to spread rumours and misinformation, news agency ANI reported.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, ACP Rajeev Narain Mishra further said that a section of people had been actively circulating false information through newly created digital networks, including WhatsApp bots and social media platforms, and a case was filed against them.
"We arrested over 350 people. Some were misusing social media, spreading rumours, and providing false information. Some were spreading misleading information through newly created WhatsApp bots and Twitter. Considering the sensitivity of this, a case has been filed against them. Today, workers are returning to work in many companies. In some places, some workers came and demanded that their demands be met. We have discussed with them patiently and explained it to them," said Mishra.
He also informed that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has formed a high-level committee which had visited the spot on Monday to assess the situation.
"The Chief Minister has formed a high-level committee. That committee made a physical visit yesterday, and many decisions have been made in the interest of the workers...We have CCTV footage and digital evidence, and those who have been caught were involved in some kind of disturbance, engaging in antisocial activities, blocking national highways, and state highways..." said Mishra.
The protests continued on Tuesday in the Hosiery Complex in Phase-2 in Noida to demand an increase in minimum wages. However, despite the state government announcing a wage hike, the stir continues.
On Monday, the protests turned violent after an altercation with the police. The protesters pelted stones and torched vehicles and were set on fire after an altercation with police.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi voiced his support for the protesting workers and described their agitation over minimum wage demands as a reflection of wider economic distress faced by labourers.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi wrote, "What happened yesterday on the roads of Noida was the final cry of this country's workers - one whose every voice was ignored, who grew weary from endless pleading. A worker in Noida earns a monthly salary of Rs 12,000; rent costs Rs 4,000-7,000. By the time he gets a Rs 300 annual raise, the landlord hikes the rent by Rs 500 a year."
(With inputs from ANI)
