According to police officials, continuous route marches were conducted from early morning to deter any escalation. Small gatherings of workers at select locations were swiftly dispersed through dialogue. Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh confirmed that the situation is currently under control and law and order has been restored across the district.
Arrests and Heightened Security
In the aftermath of Monday’s violence, which involved arson, vandalism, and disruptions across multiple industrial clusters, more than 300 individuals have been arrested and seven FIRs registered. Security has been tightened in sensitive areas such as Cleo County, Gari Chaukhandi, Sector 121, and Sector 70. While gatherings were observed in these locations, they remained peaceful.
Police noted that the recent protests, largely involving domestic workers demanding higher wages, did not turn violent and were managed through coordination. Authorities have also urged residents to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information, warning of strict legal action against misinformation.
‘WhatsApp Syndicate’ Under Investigation
Investigators are probing a possible organised mobilisation network operating through WhatsApp groups. Officials revealed that several groups were created in recent days, with participants added via QR codes and shared links.
These digital platforms are believed to have played a key role in circulating provocative messages and coordinating large-scale gatherings across multiple sites. Forensic analysis of seized mobile phones has reportedly uncovered patterns of coordinated communication, leading police to suspect the involvement of a structured “syndicate.”
Several alleged instigators have already been identified and arrested, while efforts are ongoing to trace funding sources and determine whether external support—within or outside the state—was involved.
Role of ‘Outsiders’ in Escalation
Police reiterated that Monday’s unrest intensified after groups described as “outsiders” entered protest sites just as workers were dispersing peacefully. These elements allegedly moved across bordering areas, inciting fresh tensions and clashes, particularly in Sector 63 and industrial zones in Phase-2.
At the peak of the protests, officials estimated that between 40,000 and 45,000 workers had gathered across more than 80 locations, with violence reported at several points before being brought under control.
Government Announces Interim Wage Hike
In response to the unrest, a high-level committee formed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an interim wage increase of approximately 21% for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad.
Under the revised structure, monthly wages have been raised to:
₹13,690 for unskilled workers
₹15,059 for semi-skilled workers
₹16,868 for skilled workers
The new wages are effective from April 1. Officials stated that discussions with stakeholders are ongoing, and further recommendations are expected soon. The government has also accepted four out of the five key demands raised by workers and is working toward resolving the remaining issues.
Political Reactions Intensify
The unrest has sparked a political confrontation. Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi accused opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Indian National Congress, of fuelling unrest through misinformation.
Opposition leaders strongly denied these allegations. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav argued that the government was diverting attention from genuine labour concerns. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed support for the workers, describing the protests as a reflection of economic distress driven by rising inflation and stagnant wages.
Situation Under Control, Vigil Continues
Authorities maintain that the situation is now under control, though surveillance remains active in sensitive areas. Police emphasised that only minimal force was used during the clashes and credited coordinated efforts for restoring order.
Officials continue to appeal for calm and responsible behaviour, even as investigations proceed into the alleged organised mobilisation networks and the broader factors behind the unrest.
