Chaos in Noida: Over 350 Arrested as Workers’ Protest Turns Violent; UP Police Probe Terror Angle
Noida, April 14, 2026 — A massive factory workers’ protest demanding higher wages spiraled into intense violence, arson, and vandalism across several industrial sectors in Noida on Monday. In a rapid response, the Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested approximately 350 individuals and detained over 100 others for questioning.
The situation took a severe political and security turn late Monday night when Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar described the violence as a “well-planned conspiracy” and indicated that authorities are actively investigating a potential link to Pakistan-based handlers.
Escalation: From Wage Demands to Arson
The unrest, which entered its fourth consecutive day, was initially triggered by demands for pay parity following a recent wage hike in neighboring Haryana.
According to official police statements, an estimated 40,000 to 45,000 workers gathered at over 80 locations across the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate on Monday. While many dispersed peacefully, the situation rapidly deteriorated in specific areas, notably in Sector-63, Sector-60, Sector-62, Sector-84, and near the Motherson company premises.
Groups of “unruly elements” resorted to heavy stone-pelting, vandalism of factory property, and setting vehicles ablaze, causing severe traffic disruptions on major routes. To bring the chaotic situation under control, heavily deployed police and paramilitary forces were forced to use tear gas to disperse the aggressive crowds.
The Conspiracy and “Pak Link” Angle
Addressing the media, UP Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar suggested that the violence was not merely an industrial dispute but an orchestrated attempt by “anti-national forces” to create instability in the state and disrupt Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s scheduled program in Muzaffarnagar.
“The incident appears to have been carried out with the intention of disrupting the development and law and order of the state,” Rajbhar stated. He drew a direct connection to recent anti-terror operations, noting, “In recent days, four suspected terrorists have been arrested from Meerut and Noida, whose links were connected to handlers based in Pakistan. In such a situation, the possibility of a conspiracy to create instability in the state gains strength.”
Police Crackdown and Resolution Efforts
Authorities have registered seven separate FIRs across various police stations in Noida. Investigators are currently scanning extensive CCTV footage from the affected factories to identify the perpetrators.
Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh revealed that outside agitators played a role in escalating the violence. “A group from outside the district arrived in the areas bordering neighboring districts. They moved around attempting to incite tension and provoke violence. We have taken some members of this group into custody,” she stated.
Despite the crackdown, the administration is pushing for a peaceful resolution. Police officials confirmed that four out of the five primary demands raised by the legitimate workers have already been accepted by authorities. Furthermore, a high-level committee has been formed to address the remaining grievances, and dialogue between senior officials and worker representatives is actively ongoing.
Currently, the situation in Noida is reported to be fully under control, with a heavy security presence remaining in the affected industrial sectors to ensure peace.
