Digital sabotage angle links Manesar, Noida unrest; alert issued for industries

The probe into recent industrial unrest in the National Capital Region has pointed to a possible cross-border digital sabotage network linking the disturbances in Manesar and Noida.

According to Laxmi Singh, Commissioner of Police, Noida, investigations by police have revealed that certain social media handles, allegedly operating from Pakistan, were used to spread rumours and incite workers. These accounts are now suspected to have played a role in triggering tensions in Manesar as well.

It was on April 16 that the Noida Police Commissioner exposed what she termed a “coordinated attempt” to disrupt law and order. She said forensic evidence had linked provocative social media activity to accounts operated from Pakistan, with users masking locations through virtual private networks. According to her, these handles circulated false claims about worker fatalities and wage disputes to trigger arson and stone-pelting. She added that the probe has already led to key arrests and multiple cases, with investigators looking into an organised syndicate that appears to have replicated the unrest from Manesar to Noida.

Following the revelation, Gurugram Police have begun coordinating with its Noida counterpart and has issued an advisory to industrial units across the district to remain vigilant.

“The Noida police have unearthed a sophisticated digital trail originating from Pakistan. We are in close coordination with the Noida Police to exchange technical intelligence on handles used to mobilise mobs and spread misinformation. We will reveal further details once we establish the Manesar connection,” said the Gurugram Police spokesperson.

Authorities have asked industrial associations and worker groups to remain alert against rumour-mongering and provocative online content. Special sensitisation meetings are being held with stakeholders, while surveillance has been stepped up to track suspicious activity.

“There is peace in Manesar now but we are keeping strict vigil… factory owners and worker bodies have been asked to keep tab on rumours and instigations. We are also keeping surveillance on any outsiders active in area,” the spokesperson added.

Industry representatives have sought a high-level probe into the incidents. “We always knew these were not workers. It was a well-planned conspiracy to derail our industrial areas and defame the state. A high-level inquiry should be done…,” said Deepak Maini of Progressive Federation of Trade and Industry.