Noida workers protest: Kin allege arbitrary detentions amid resumed protests, heavy police force deployment

Noida: As workers’ protests continued to simmer in parts of Noida, family members of those detained during earlier violence alleged arbitrary police action and a lack of communication from authorities, even as fresh demonstrations were reported on Wednesday.

Relatives who reached police stations in search of their kin described confusion and distress, claiming that several individuals were picked up without clear justification. A woman searching for her nephew said that the youth had no role in the unrest and was detained while standing near a local doctor’s shop.

“He was just standing there when people suddenly started running. The police caught him as well,” the woman said. “When I came to the police station and asked if there was anyone named Rohit, a policeman denied that anyone by that name was there. But I saw him sitting inside with many others. They made several people sit there, but didn’t ask us anything or give any information. They simply told us to leave.”

Another family member alleged intimidation by police personnel. “My brother was picked up yesterday. When I went at night to see him, they told me to go away, or they would lock me up too. They are not answering anything or even speaking to us. I don’t know when they will release him,” he said.

The allegations come amid heightened tensions in Noida’s industrial belt, where workers have been protesting over wage-related demands for the past few days.

The unrest, which began earlier this week, turned violent in some pockets, particularly in the Phase 2 industrial area, where incidents of stone-pelting, vandalism, and road blockades were reported. The situation led to major traffic disruptions on key routes, including the Noida Link Road and stretches connecting the Chilla Border, affecting commuters between Delhi and Noida.

In the aftermath of the violence, authorities have intensified clean-up operations. Debris such as stones and burnt tyres left behind by protesters is being cleared from roads. Industrial units have also stepped up preventive measures, installing barbed wire along perimeters and reinforcing entry gates.

Despite official measures to curb the situation, several companies remain shut in Noida amid tension from employees’ protests, with heavy police deployment in many areas

IANS