Date : 20-04-2026
To
The Director General of Police,
Uttar Pradesh.
Dear Sir,
Sub: Arbitrary police actions against workers and their supporters during wage – related protests – Reg.
The Human Rights Forum (HRF) is a non-political, non-funded organization that has been working on issues o f human rights violations in the Telugu States for the past three to four decades.
We have come to know through newspaper reports and electronic media that workers participating in protests in Uttar Pradesh are being subjected to harassment, and that the police are resorting to arbitrary actions. These developments are deeply concerning to human rights organizations like ours. We also note that a similar situation prevails in IMT Manesar (Haryana) and Noida.
Amidst rising prices in Noida, industrial workers surviving on meagre monthly wages of 10,000 – 11,000 are demanding an increase in wages, along with proper working conditions and a life of dignity. These demands are reasonable and just.
However, it is reported that for expressing support to these protests, the Uttar Pradesh police have arrested five labour activists associated with Mazdoor Bigul- Rupesh (an auto driver), Manisha (a factory worker), Akriti, Srishti, and Aditya. They have reportedly been charged with inciting violence through WhatsApp groups.
Media reports and statements by labour rights groups indicate that these allegations are unfounded.
On the contrary, the activists are said to have appealed for discipline and peaceful conduct during the protests. There appear to be no videos, speeches, or credible evidence to substantiate the charges of incitement.
Further, it has been reported that certain provocative messages in the WhatsApp groups originated from individuals linked to the police. One phone number has been identified as belonging to Anil, driver of a senior police officer, Shri Vijay Gupta. Another number has been linked to Sub-inspector Beena of Noida, who allegedly shared inflammatory content t o escalate tensions.
These developments raise serious concerns about the role of the police in the situation.
There are also disturbing reports of ill-treatment of advocates, sympathizers, and supporters of the workers’ agitation.
Moreover, the large-scale arrests-reportedly involving nearly 500 workers and several activists- and the lack of clarity regarding the whereabouts of some detainees point to grave violations of human rights and due process.
In view of the above, our organization strongly believes that there has been a serious erosion of human rights in the handling of the workers’ protests.
We, therefore, demand the following:
- Immediate and unconditional release of all detained intellectuals, activists, and supporters of the workers
- Immediate withdrawal of all false and fabricated cases
- An end to police repression and arbitrary actions against workers
- Enhancement of minimum wages to 22,000 and fulfillment of the workers’ legitimate demands
- Immediate intervention by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to stop harassment and initiate dialogue between the Labour Department and the protesting workers
We request your urgent intervention in this matter to ensure that the rule of law i s upheld and that the fundamental rights of workers and citizens are protected.
Yours sincerely,
Human Rights Forum.
S . Jeevan kumar,
(Coordination Committee Member)
Dr. S. Thirupathaih
(General Secretary)