The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested Aditya Anand, who is alleged to be the key conspirator behind the large-scale violence that erupted during workers’ protests in Noida on April 13 and 14. He was apprehended from Trichy Railway Station in Tamil Nadu after extensive search operations were carried out across multiple regions, including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. His arrest follows a non-bailable warrant issued by a court and a reward of Rs 1 lakh घोषित by Noida Police after he went absconding in the aftermath of the unrest.
According to investigators, Aditya Anand played a central role in organising and mobilising the protests. He was reportedly present in Noida during the demonstrations and is accused of using digital platforms to coordinate large gatherings. Police allege that he created multiple WhatsApp groups, distributing QR codes to facilitate rapid joining and communication among participants. Through these networks, he is believed to have mobilised thousands of individuals, significantly contributing to the scale and intensity of the protests.
Authorities have also accused Anand of delivering provocative speeches aimed at inciting crowds, which allegedly contributed to the escalation of tensions at several protest sites. What began as worker demonstrations reportedly turned violent in certain areas, with incidents of stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson being reported, particularly in locations such as Sector-63 and near the Motherson company premises.
Officials stated that between 40,000 and 45,000 people gathered across more than 80 locations in Noida and Greater Noida during the protests, leading to widespread traffic disruptions and law-and-order challenges. Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest that many individuals involved in the violence may not have been actual workers, raising concerns about organised external involvement.
Further, some of the arrested individuals are suspected to have links with groups such as Mazdoor Bigul and what authorities describe as an “urban Naxal” network, though these claims are still under investigation. With Anand now in custody, the STF is expected to expand its probe to uncover the broader network behind the mobilisation, including funding sources, communication channels, and potential coordination across states.
The case remains under active investigation, and authorities are continuing efforts to identify all individuals involved in orchestrating and executing the violence, as well as to determine the larger intent and structure behind the protests.
