Noida protests were planned via social media, workers urged to bring chilli powder

Violent workers’ protest over low wages that rocked Noida on Monday were systematically planned using social media handles, dedicated WhatsApp groups and even a suspected call centre-like setup, police said on Tuesday amid an investigation into the sudden escalation.

According to Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh, the pattern points to a systematic and tech-driven operation rather than a spontaneous outburst, as the police arrested around 400 so far.

"There is an organised group who are instigating the workers and systematically pushing things forward. In the past few days, just three to four days, numerous fake Twitter handles and other social media accounts have been created," she said.

“This indicates that someone may be operating a call centre-like setup or using technology in a coordinated manner to incite unrest,” the Commissioner noted.

In one such instance, an audio clip circulated on WhatsApp allegedly urged crowds to assemble and target police personnel. The voice message said, “Tomorrow, we must be prepared to attack the police. A lathi charge shall be carried out against them. Everyone is required to gather in the morning.”

An Instagram group chat that has surfaced shows participants allegedly being urged to carry chilli powder to use against police in the event of a lathi charge. In one message, a user wrote, “Brother, don’t pick up sticks; just bring chilli powder, that’s enough, the matter ends there.” Another message appealed to members, saying, “All brothers and sisters are requested to bring chilli powder in as large numbers as possible.”

Senior Noida police officials told India Today that these chats and audio clips have been identified and are being investigated. India Today could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

Officials say the modus operandi involved rapid digital mobilisation through multiple platforms. Several WhatsApp groups were set up in a short span, with workers reportedly added via QR codes, a method that allowed organisers to quickly scale participation while maintaining anonymity.

The use of newly created social media accounts, coordinated messaging, and closed-group communication "suggests a systematic, organised gang operating behind the scenes," she added.

Along with uncovering the trail of digital coordination, police also said several masked protesters deliberately targeted CCTV cameras in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence and evade identification. They added that multiple CCTV clips now in their possession show these masked youths vandalising property and creating chaos on the streets.

Police suspect the involvement of a larger, organised network working behind the scenes. Investigators are also examining potential funding sources and possible external links, including whether any elements from outside the state or country played a role. “We will trace the funding trail. If any external or cross-border links are found, appropriate action will follow,” the Commissioner said.

Amid the unrest, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a hike in minimum wages across worker categories, with revised rates implemented retrospectively from April 1. In Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad, unskilled workers will now earn Rs 13,690 per month, up from Rs 11,313, while semi-skilled and skilled workers will receive Rs 15,059 and Rs 16,868, respectively.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged employers to ensure timely wage payments, fair overtime compensation, weekly offs, bonuses, and social security benefits, while maintaining safe working conditions, especially for women workers.