Noida protests: activists allege police interference, lapses

A screenshot shared within a WhatsApp group and a voice note allegedly calling for road blockades have emerged as part of claims made by activists and lawyers in connection with the workers’ protests that took place in Noida earlier this month.

Those associated with the protests have alleged that these materials point to possible police involvement, a claim that has been denied by officials.

According to activists associated with the protest, it was never meant to turn violent, and workers had taken steps to keep the agitation under control. However, they claim that a voice note circulated within the group raised concerns about attempts to escalate tensions.

‘Did nothing wrong’

The voice note is alleged to have been sent by a person who was working as a driver with the Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissioner’s office on a contractual basis. The contents of the audio have been withheld as its source could not be independently verified. In a telephonic conversation with Patriot, the individual denied any wrongdoing.

“They are accusing me of infiltrating and inciting violence, but I did not know anything about it. I am being framed. I did not even know that I was part of the group,” he said, adding that he was let go after the purported note began circulating on social media.

On the other hand, activists have also alleged that a woman constable was part of the WhatsApp group meant for protesters. According to them, a screenshot of internal conversations was mistakenly shared in the group, after which members traced a phone number they claim belonged to a police constable.

However, when contacted by Patriot, the constable denied involvement in any such activity.

‘Procedural lapses’

Keshaw Anand, the brother of one of the accused, Aditya Anand, alleged that due process was not followed during the arrest.

“When Aditya was held by the Railway Police Force personnel in Tiruchirapalli, he was handed over to the UP Special Task Force. Since then, he has remained in their custody. The arrest memo has not been shown to us, and we do not know the grounds of arrest,” he said.

These claims could not be independently verified.

Article 22 of the Constitution states that no person who is arrested shall be detained without being informed of the grounds of arrest and shall have the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of their choice.

Similarly, provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita require that an arrested person be informed of the grounds of arrest and allowed to notify family members.

‘Custodial violence’

Family members have also alleged that some of the accused were subjected to violence while in custody. “Police are disregarding every rule and law… This is how they extracted their ‘confession’,” Keshaw alleged.

It has also been alleged that lawyers representing the accused faced restrictions in accessing court premises. “Our lawyers have to overcome several barriers to meet their clients… Even criminals have the right to legal representation,” Keshaw said.

In a separate incident, Keshaw alleged that he and other activists were briefly detained and taken to an isolated location by police personnel. According to him, their phones were taken, and no women constables were present despite women being among those detained.

These claims could not be independently verified.

Activists have also alleged that an activist named Himanshu Thakur was detained in violation of procedure and subjected to physical assault during transit.

No independent verification of these allegations was available at the time of publication.

Legal concerns

Earlier, on April 19, advocate Kawalpreet Kaur said at a press conference that the police’s actions were illegal.

“The manner in which the police picked up workers and activists is illegal and extrajudicial. Only seven FIRs have been registered against 350 workers. Two of these FIRs mention public disorder and conspiracy. Mass detentions without presenting grounds for arrest or copies of FIRs… are among the illegal means through which the police have acted,” she said.

At the same conference, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves said that similar patterns had been observed in other States and alleged that such actions were aimed at diverting attention from governance issues.

Police response

Lakshmi Singh, Commissioner of Police, Gautam Buddha Nagar, had earlier denied all allegations of wrongdoing, stating that due legal procedures were being followed.

Also Read: After Noida protests, Delhi workers seek wage revision amid rising distress

Patriot contacted Singh for further clarification; no additional response was received till publication.

New cell

The Gautam Budh Nagar police commissionerate has set up a dedicated Industrial Cell and appointed an ad hoc Deputy Commissioner of Police for Industrial Affairs, days after the workers’ protest over a hike in minimum wages.

Led by the DCP (Industrial), the unit includes an Assistant Commissioner, three inspectors, and 25 personnel. It has been tasked with managing industrial disputes, maintaining dialogue between stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to labour regulations.