On 13th April (Monday), the widespread violence, arson and vandalism that followed a massive agitation by industrial workers over wages forced Noida to a standstill. Meanwhile, authorities accused outside elements of being involved and pointed to a potential larger conspiracy. A parallel investigation has been launched into suspected ties ranging from organised disinformation to attempts at unrest supported by Pakistan and even a likely Naxal threat.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Heavy traffic congestion on Delhi-Noida DND Flyway due to traffic diversion as Chilla Border, connecting Delhi to Noida, has been closed following a violent protest in Noida Phase 2.
— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2026
During the protest by employees of a company in Noida Phase 2, vehicles… pic.twitter.com/k3gsm5KcPu
Approximately 350 persons have been taken into custody by police in relation to arson and vandalism and more than 100 more have been held for interrogation. In order to identify people responsible for the disruption, authorities are also looking through CCTV footage from factories. Additionally, Whatsapp groups are being examined. The incident resulted in injuries to at least 10 cops and 30 other individuals.
“The incident appears to have been carried out with the intention of disrupting the development and law and order of the state. 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. Agencies are seriously investigating the entire matter,” stated Anil Rajbhar, the labour minister for Uttar Pradesh.
He expressed concern that “anti-national forces” wanted to instigate instability in the state and suspected that the chaos might have been planned to interfere with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s program in Muzaffarnagar earlier in the day. “They should not fall prey to any misleading information or provocation and must maintain peace. Chaos and aggressive protests are not a solution to any problem. The government is ready to listen to every concern of the workers,” Rajbhar assured.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Vehicles and properties vandalised and stones pelted in Phase 2 of Noida where a large number of employees of a company gathered in protest over their demands for a salary increment. Heavy Police deployment made here to bring the situation under control.… pic.twitter.com/1B0axJZSBN
— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2026
“Naxalism is at the point of elimination but attempts to revive it could be part of a larger conspiracy. Some protests may have involved misleading and disruptive elements,” CM Yogi stated during an important meeting, reported The Times of India.
He emphasised that only “genuine workers” should be permitted to participate in negotiations, warning that outside parties frequently penetrate these movements by pretending to be labour leaders. He gave officials instructions keep up strict vigilance, bolster networks of intelligence in industrial zones and take the strongest precautions against individuals who are contributing to havoc.
Police action after the violence engulfed the area
According to the authorities, 9 FIRs have been filed in relation to the violence that broke out in numerous industrial areas and several individuals have been captured as the situation presently remains under control. 2 FIRs are against social media accounts that were propagating misinformation and seven targeting unidentified individuals behind the violence. The part played by the perpetrators and any ploy for destabilisations are being probed.
“After the labourers dispersed peacefully, a group from outside the district arrived in the areas bordering neighbouring districts. They moved around attempting to incite tension and provoke violence. We have taken some members of this group into custody, and we are identifying the remaining individuals to initiate appropriate action against them,” informed Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh.
According to police, around 40,000 to 45,000 workers from different industries had congregated in more than 80 locations throughout the commissionerate, causing extensive commotion. Arson, stone-throwing and vandalism were recorded in Sector-63 and the vicinity of the Motherson corporate grounds, where tensions escalated to a high point. They conveyed that some “unruly” groups took advantage of the circumstances to exacerbate the trouble.
The majority of demonstrations were managed through conversation and remained peaceful. However, in a few places, especially close to industrial units like Motherson in Phase-2, where police reported that some participants turned violent. Officers indicated that multiple people scaled factory walls and used tools to cut wire fencing. They were quickly joined by bigger groups, which led to stone-throwing and the use of moderate force by the police personnel.
Most of the violence occurred in Sector 62 and Phase-2, where accused armed with clubs, sticks, and belts ran wild, shattering glass facades of manufacturing units, damaging businesses and setting cars on fire. Witnesses reported that four to five automobiles were burnt outside a service centre in Sector 63, and at least a dozen vehicles, including police cars, met a similar fate during the day. The structure was vandalised.
Many locations reported destruction of industrial property and stone-throwing at anti-riot police. According to the police, there were two arson occurrences that were put under control by local units and fire services working together. By the late evening, the perpetrators had defaced and thrown stones at over 500 industrial facilities and the police station in Sector 63, in addition to burning more than 20 vehicles and damaging several others.
The authorities pointed out that misinformation worsened the situation. FIRs were filed against social media users, including individuals who made false claims about injuries and deaths during the demonstrations. According to police, over 50 bot accounts that were formed in a single day were found to be disseminating false information, and the UP STF was tasked with tracking their digital footprint and any potential collaboration. Additionally, officials refuted reports that they were any firing amid the protests. To retake control, authorities sent out about 3,000 police officers in addition to administrative teams and fire services.
Some social media handles have been spreading rumours that 14 persons have died and several have been injured. UP Police rejects the claims, says no firing has happened.
— OpIndia.com (@OpIndia_com) April 13, 2026
Action initiated against handles spreading fake news pic.twitter.com/mrjlggwyb4
“On the instructions of the chief minister, senior officials have been sent to Noida. They are directly interacting with workers and trying to resolve their issues. Workers have played an important role in the development of Uttar Pradesh, and the government is fully committed to their welfare. By implementing the resolve of ‘Shramev Jayate’ on the ground, we are continuously working for their well-being,” Rajbhar declared.
The state administration stated that it has agreed to four of the five demands made by the workers in an attempt to ease tensions, and it has established a powerful committee to deal with the remaining concerns.
