Noida | Social media accounts allegedly operated from Pakistan were used to spread misleading information and trigger workers's unrest in Noida, Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said on Thursday.
A total of 62 people have been arrested so far in connection with widespread workers' agitation for wage hike in Noida.
Laxmi Singh said a technical analysis of two X handles, '@Proudindiannavi and @Mir_Ilyas_INC, revealed that they were being operated from Pakistan with the use of VPNs.
"Investigation into the matter is ongoing," she told reporters.
According to the police, on April 13, misleading posts were circulated through these accounts with the intent to disturb public peace and law and order.
The content led to fear and outrage among residents in different parts of the district.
A mob resorted to stone-pelting, injuring several people, and carried out arson and vandalism targeting vehicles, private property and public assets, she said.
An FIR was registered at Sector 20 Police Station on April 13 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act against the two social media handles, and a probe was initiated.
The police commissioner said incidents of violence were reported at two locations, with a majority of those involved identified as outsiders.
"Strict action is being taken against such elements, and proceedings will also be initiated under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act," she added.
The 62 arrested include those allegedly involved in rioting and arson. Thirteen cases have been registered in connection with the incidents.
The police commissioner said the situation in the district has returned to normal since Wednesday. A flag march was conducted in the morning and patrolling is underway under a sector-based security arrangement.
Industrial units across Gautam Buddh Nagar, including Noida and Greater Noida, are functioning normally, with workers resuming duties peacefully, she said.
The Uttar Pradesh government increased minimum wages and announced the formation of a wage board for future revisions, officials earlier said.
