Noida Labor Activists Planned Protests Across Eight States, Police Reveal
In a significant development, officers involved in the investigation have disclosed that labor activists taken into custody for allegedly inciting violence during the industrial workers' protest in Noida on April 13 were planning similar agitations across eight Indian states. This revelation came to light on Wednesday, following the recovery of materials during searches of their homes.
Widespread Agitation Plans Uncovered
The states targeted for future protests include Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Tripura. Investigators stated that the evidence points to a coordinated effort to expand the unrest beyond the initial Noida incident. Notably, they described the protest in Haryana's Manesar, which occurred the week before the Noida stir and demanded a hike in minimum wages, as an "experiment" to test their strategies.
Evidence of Premeditated Actions
Police have alleged that some of the women participants in the Noida protest were seen deliberately draping CCTV cameras outside factories, such as those at Motherson, with cloth. This action, captured on CCTV footage recovered by authorities, indicates they had received prior instructions to obstruct surveillance, suggesting a level of organization and planning aimed at evading detection during the demonstrations.
Key Figures and Ongoing Investigation
So far, the police have identified several key figures as responsible for the violence during the protest. These individuals include:
- Aditya Anand
- Rupesh Roy
- Manisha
- Akriti
- Srishti Gupta
- Himanshu Thakur
- Satyam Verma
The investigation is ongoing, with examination of mobile phones and laptops recovered from the suspects currently in progress. Officers have also written to Google to request additional information that may aid in the probe, highlighting the digital aspect of their investigative efforts.
Context and Implications
This case underscores the growing tensions in industrial regions over labor rights and minimum wage issues. The planned agitations across multiple states suggest a broader movement, with Noida serving as a focal point. Police are now focusing on preventing further violence and understanding the full scope of the activists' networks, as they work to maintain law and order in the affected areas.
