Police have intensified the probe into the Noida labour unrest, with investigators examining alleged overseas transactions and organisational links tied to key accused.
Police personnel stand guard after a large-scale protest by factory workers demanding higher wages in Noida on April 13, 2026. | IANS
The Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissionerate has invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against two people accused in the recent labour protest violence in Noida, claiming they played a key role in incidents that spiralled into arson, vandalism and disruption of public order.
The action comes weeks after protests by workers demanding higher wages turned violent across parts of Noida, prompting a major police crackdown. Investigators are now also examining alleged foreign money transfers linked to one of the accused, adding a new dimension to the case.
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According to the Commissionerate’s Media Cell, the NSA has been imposed on Satyam Verma and Akriti. Police alleged that both were actively involved in provocative activities during the demonstrations and contributed to the escalation of violence in the region. Multiple FIRs had already been registered at different police stations following the unrest.
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Police officials claimed that preliminary investigations revealed over Rs 1 crore was transferred into Satyam Verma’s personal bank account from several foreign countries in currencies including dollars, pounds and euros. Authorities alleged that the funds were later routed to his other bank accounts through separate transactions.
Officials further said Verma is linked to several organisations that are now under scrutiny. A detailed investigation into the financial transactions and associated accounts is underway, police added.
The latest NSA action follows earlier arrests made in connection with the protests. On April 20, Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Himanshu Thakur and Satyam Verma for their alleged involvement in the violence linked to the workers’ agitation.
A case related to the clashes was registered at the Phase 2 police station in Noida.
Police had earlier alleged that both accused were associated with the workers’ union “Mazdoor Bigul Dasta”. Officials claimed Himanshu Thakur was present in Noida during the violence and remained in contact with Aditya Anand, whom police described as the “mastermind” behind the protests turning violent.
The protests erupted on April 13 over demands for higher minimum wages for labourers in Noida and adjoining industrial areas. The agitation later turned violent, with incidents of stone-pelting, clashes with police and vehicles being set on fire reported from several locations.
During the crackdown that followed, more than 350 suspects were detained while over 200 people were arrested, according to police.
Amid the unrest, the Uttar Pradesh government later approved a 21 per cent increase in minimum wages for workers in Noida and Ghaziabad with effect from April 1, 2026.
Under the revised structure, monthly wages for unskilled workers were increased to Rs 13,690, while skilled workers will now receive Rs 16,868.
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