PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad high court has granted bail to Himanshu Thakur, a member of the workers’ union Mazdoor Bigul Dasta, in two cases linked to a workers’ protest in Noida in April 2026.The bail was granted through two separate orders passed by Justice Krishan Pahal and Justice Avnish Saxena. Both courts noted that the prosecution had not assigned any specific role to Thakur in the alleged mob violence.The state had opposed his release, citing his social media activities and alleged role in spreading messages linked to the violence.Thakur was arrested on April 17 in connection with two FIRs registered at the Gautam Buddha Nagar Phase-2 police station.According to the FIRs, a large group of workers had gathered at industrial units in Noida and allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, damaged company property and attacked employees and police personnel.The accused faced charges under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), besides the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and the Criminal Law Amendment Act.
Bail granted in two cases
Justice Krishan Pahal granted Thakur bail in one of the cases on August 7. The court noted that co-accused Ravi Kumar Rathore, who was similarly placed, had already been granted bail by another bench.The court also observed that Thakur’s criminal history “stands explained”. It ordered his release on a personal bond and two sureties, subject to conditions including that he must not interfere with evidence or threaten witnesses.On August 20, Justice Avnish Saxena granted bail to Thakur in the second case.During the proceedings, the state argued that Thakur was “instrumental in spreading the violence throughout the state through the social media handle” and had “handled the internet for spreading of the hatred”.The prosecution also referred to his links with Mazdoor Bigul, Disha Students Organisation and Naujavan Bharat Sabha, as well as his participation in discussions through the ‘Bigul Mazdoor Dasta’ forum.Thakur’s lawyer disputed the prosecution’s reliance on items recovered from his home, including electronic devices, books and union literature. The defence argued that police had not recovered any weapons or explosives, nor found incriminating digital communications.The lawyer also told the court that neither the FIR nor witness statements placed Thakur at the location where the alleged stone-pelting, gate-breaking or burning of vehicles took place.
Court finds no specific role
The court noted that the FIR referred to a mob of around 450-500 people but did not assign any specific role to Thakur in the alleged violence.“Considering the mob violence wherein no specific role is attributed on the accused applicant,” Justice Saxena said while granting bail in the second case.The court imposed the same bond and surety requirements while ordering his release.Both orders clarified that the decision to grant bail did not amount to any finding on the merits of the allegations.Thakur has been directed to cooperate with the judicial proceedings and appear before the trial court whenever required. The court said any violation of the bail conditions could result in cancellation of bail.
