Activists Detained Under NSA for Alleged Role in Noida Workers' Protest

The Uttar Pradesh Police invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against two activists, Akriti Choudhary and Satyam Verma, linked to Noida workers' protest violence. Officials confirmed this to the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). Both activists are part of the Mazdoor Bigul group. The NSA allows detention without formal charges.

Choudhary, 25, was arrested on April 11, two days before the violence. She is a Delhi University graduate and theatre artist focused on labor rights. Verma, 65, is a journalist and writer from Lucknow. Police claim the activists planned the unrest, but civil society groups deny this.

PUCL and other groups called the arrests illegal, with no evidence or fair legal process. They allege torture and fake links to violence. Authorities plan to use NSA to jail activists without proof. This aims to silence dissent, activists say.

The April 2026 Noida protest by factory workers saw clashes and over 60 arrests. Labor and students were accused of planning it. Police call it a conspiracy, but critics say it targets legitimate dissent. A solidarity protest is planned at Jantar Mantar.