What began as a workers’ protest in Noida but soon turned violent, with arson and vandalism, is now under deeper scrutiny, with the Anti-Terrorist Squad stepping in after early signs pointed to a possible foreign hand, including suspected links to Pakistan.
The development follows initial enquiries that flagged unusual digital activity linked to the unrest, prompting agencies to widen the probe and examine whether the violence was part of a larger, pre-planned attempt to disrupt public order through coordinated messaging.
Violence during protest puts spotlight on planning behind unrest
According to reports, a large number of workers had gathered to press their demands, but the protest soon escalated into chaos. Several areas reported incidents of vehicles being set on fire, damage to public property, and widespread vandalism.
Police and administrative officials faced considerable difficulty in containing the situation as tensions escalated rapidly on the ground.
ATS examines social media accounts for foreign links
As per news agency IANS, investigators now suspect that the violence may not have been entirely spontaneous. Investigators are now examining whether the unrest was deliberately triggered, with social media suspected to have played a role in stoking tensions.
The ATS has started closely tracking posts, videos and messages that circulated during the protest, with a focus on accounts that shared provocative content. Sources indicate that some of these accounts show activity patterns and location markers suggesting they could be operated from outside India, raising concerns about a potential Pakistan connection.
Digital forensics team tracking data, IP addresses
Officials said the ATS is analysing technical data linked to these accounts, including IP addresses and network connections, to establish their origin and possible affiliations.
The probe is also looking at whether any of these accounts are tied to organised crime or terror networks. Investigators suspect they may have been used to spread rumours, push misinformation and provoke people on the ground into turning violent.
Authorities have said that those responsible for the violence will face strict action. The administration has reiterated that no one involved in the incidents will be spared.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials are expecting further details to emerge as the digital and ground-level enquiries progress.
(With IANS inputs)