NOIDA: Gautam Budh Nagar police on Thursday claimed Pakistan link behind the labour unrest in the district earlier this week and said two social media accounts from across the border were actively spreading misinformation to incite violence.Police commissioner Laxmi Singh said that during the workers’ agitation on April 13, certain “undesirable elements” attempted to hijack the protest by circulating false claims through X. These posts alleged deaths of workers in police firing, a claim that officials have categorically denied.According to Singh, the situation had been brought under control by police after initial unrest. However, later in the day, the two X handles amplified a false narrative, which was widely circulated online, leading to renewed tension among workers returning from protest sites.FIRs were promptly registered against these accounts at Sector 20 police station in GB Nagar. Police probe said technical data received from X on Thursday revealed that both handles were being continuously operated from Pakistan. “Their internet connectivity, IP addresses, and activity patterns indicate a foreign origin. VPNs were also used to mask their identity,” Singh said.Police said they are also investigating the role of a group named ‘Mazdoor Bigul Dasta’, whose members allegedly mobilised workers and provoked violence. Officials claimed that three individuals — Rupeesh Roy, Manisha Chauhan, and Aditya Anand — created several WhatsApp groups via QR codes, each enrolling over 800 members, including workers from major industrial units like Motherson and Richa Industries. These groups were reportedly formed around 2 am on April 10, shortly after Haryana announced a 35% increase in minimum wages.Police added that the misinformation played a key role in provoking sections of workers and escalating the situation on April 13. The investigation is on to identify further links and individuals involved.The police commissioner said Noida has been peaceful for the past two days. Police conducted flag marches and intensified patrolling to maintain order. Industrial units across the region resumed operations, with workers returning to duties in one to three shifts.Officials attributed the return to normalcy to steps taken by UP govt, including acceptance of the high-level committee’s recommendations on wage revision and the formation of a wage board to address workers’ concerns. “There is a sense of satisfaction among workers following these decisions, and they have resumed work peacefully,” Singh said.Appealing to the public, the commissioner urged workers and residents not to fall prey to rumours or provocation. “Do not pay attention to unverified information. Report any such content to the police immediately. Gautam Budh Nagar has always been a peaceful district, and maintaining law and order is a collective responsibility,” she said.
