About 1,000-1,200 workers have been detained by the Uttar Pradesh police in connection with the protest against low wages by employees of industrial units in Noida on April 13 that turned violent, according to lawyers.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, they alleged widespread illegal detentions, including of minors, with families left searching for relatives. They also accused the police of denying access to arrest memos, FIR copies, and legal access to the detainees.
Some detainees even faced torture in custody, alleged advocate Adrija Bhadra, state secretariat member of the All India Lawyers Union (AILU), Delhi.
FIR copies accessed by The Hindu showed broad charges levelled against large groups of workers without naming any individuals. Groups of 100-150 and 1,000-1,200 workers have been booked on charges such as rioting, theft, mischief, and causing voluntary hurt.
‘Grounds of arrest not known’
