Noida violence: Over 300 held, police probe QR code-based WhatsApp ‘syndicate’

More than 300 people have been detained and seven FIRs registered following violent protests by workers in Noida, with police now probing the role of an alleged “WhatsApp syndicate” behind the unrest.

According to officials, the protests, which began over wage-related demands, escalated into violence on Monday, including incidents of stone-pelting and vandalism.

Authorities said the situation has since been brought under control, though security remains heightened across industrial and residential areas.

Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said investigators have found evidence suggesting that multiple WhatsApp groups were created in the days leading up to the violence, with workers allegedly added through QR codes.

“Over the past two days, several WhatsApp groups have been created, through which workers are being added by scanning QR codes. This indicates that an organised and well-orchestrated syndicate is active,” she said.

Police suspect that the mobilisation was not spontaneous and may have been coordinated, with some individuals allegedly instigating violence during otherwise peaceful protests. Authorities are also examining whether any external funding or involvement from outside the state or country played a role.

The unrest was triggered by worker dissatisfaction over wages, with many demanding higher salaries in view of rising living costs. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government announced an interim wage hike of around 21 per cent, but protests continued in parts of Noida on Tuesday.

Police said route marches and heavy deployment have been carried out since early morning to maintain law and order. In several areas where workers gathered again, authorities said they were dispersed quickly after dialogue.

Officials also indicated that “outsiders” may have contributed to escalating the violence, raising concerns about the organised nature of the disruptions.

Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for coordinating the protests and spreading provocative messages, including through digital platforms. Police said further arrests are likely as they continue to analyse electronic evidence and trace the origin of the suspected network.