Key accused held in Noida protest case as authorities act against contractors and roll out wage revision
April 19, 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Police, along with the Special Task Force, has arrested the main accused in the recent violent workers’ protest in Noida. The accused, Aditya Anand, was apprehended from Tiruchirappalli Railway Station after remaining absconding since the incident. Carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh, he is believed to be the mastermind behind the unrest during a labour agitation in Gautam Buddh Nagar. Police said a case had been registered against him at the Phase-2 police station, and a non-bailable warrant had been issued by a local court.
Officials stated that Anand played a key role in instigating violence and organising disruptive activities during the protests. Following the incident, authorities widened their crackdown, with the labour department initiating action against 203 contractors and blacklisting firms across 24 factories for alleged violations of labour laws. Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi said notices have been issued to those accused of denying statutory benefits, directing them to clear pending dues of ₹1.16 crore, while further investigations are underway.
The unrest, driven by wage hike demands, led to the formation of a government-appointed committee, which recommended a 21% increase in wages. The revised pay structure, effective from April 1, will apply to workers across 74 scheduled employments in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad, with payments scheduled between May 7 and May 10. Authorities said legal proceedings against the accused will continue, while enforcement action against erring contractors remains ongoing to restore order and address labour grievances.