National Security Act Used After Labour Unrest in Noida

May 14, 2026, 21:37

Introduction

Authorities in Noida have used the National Security Act (NSA) against two people accused of encouraging violent labour protests in April 2026.

Main Body

The unrest began on April 10 after workers in Haryana received a 35 percent salary increase, which caused other workers to demand similar raises. Although the first protests were peaceful, the situation turned violent on April 13. This resulted in the destruction of over 100 factories and the burning of several vehicles. Police reports state that between 40,000 and 45,000 workers gathered at 80 different locations, causing major disruptions to public order. Police have focused their investigation on Satyam Verma, 60, and Akriti, 25, claiming they played key roles in starting the violence. Investigators found that Mr. Verma received over ₹1 crore in foreign currencies, including dollars, pounds, and euros, which were then moved into various personal accounts. Mr. Verma was arrested in Lucknow on April 19 with Himanshu Thakur; both are members of the workers' rights group 'Bigul Mazdoor Dasta'. However, lawyers for the accused have denied these claims. Mr. Verma's lawyer asserted that the money was legal payment for freelance translation work done for companies like Google and Meta, adding that all earnings were reported in tax returns. Furthermore, the defense argued that the NSA was used simply to keep the suspects in jail longer without enough evidence. Regarding Ms. Akriti, the defense emphasized that the only evidence is a text message about leftist ideas. The court is now reviewing phone records and has scheduled bail hearings for May 18.

Conclusion

The suspects remain in custody under the NSA while financial audits and court reviews continue.

Learning

⚡ The Power of 'Connectors' for Sophisticated Flow

An A2 student usually writes in short, choppy sentences: "The protests were peaceful. Then they became violent."

To reach B2, you must stop acting like a robot and start connecting your ideas to show logic and contrast. Let's look at how this article does it.

🧩 The 'Contrast' Pivot

Notice how the text uses "Although" and "However". These aren't just words; they are signals that a "U-turn" in the story is coming.

A2 Style: The protests were peaceful. Then they became violent.
B2 Style: $\text{Although}$ the first protests were peaceful, the situation turned violent.

Coach's Tip: Put "Although" at the start of your sentence to immediately tell the reader: "I am about to give you two opposite facts."

🚀 Elevating Your 'Addition' Game

Instead of using "and" or "also" ten times, the text uses "Furthermore". This is a high-value B2 word used to pile up evidence or arguments.

*"...earnings were reported in tax returns. $\text{Furthermore}$ , the defense argued..."

The Logic:

Fact A $\rightarrow$ 2. Fact B $\rightarrow$ 3. Furthermore $\rightarrow$ Stronger Fact C.

🛠️ Vocabulary Shift: Concrete $\rightarrow$ Abstract

Stop using "big" or "bad." Look at these B2 substitutions from the text:

A2 Word	B2 Upgrade	Context from Text
Big problems	Major disruptions	"...causing major disruptions to public order."
Said	Asserted	"Mr. Verma's lawyer asserted..."
Keep	Remain	"The suspects remain in custody..."

Challenge: Next time you want to say "but," try "however." Next time you want to say "also," try "furthermore." This is the fastest way to sound more professional.

Vocabulary Learning

unrest (n.)

A state of confusion or disorder, often caused by disagreement or conflict

Example:The unrest in the city led to a temporary shutdown of all public transport.

protests (n.)

Public demonstrations where people express their opposition or demands

Example:Workers staged protests to demand better working conditions.

salary increase (n.)

An additional amount added to a worker's regular pay

Example:The salary increase was announced to reward employees for their hard work.

violent (adj.)

Involving or characterized by physical force or aggression

Example:The violent clashes caused significant damage to the factories.

destruction (n.)

The act of damaging or ruining something completely

Example:The destruction of the old warehouse left the site empty.

disruptions (n.)

Interruptions that disturb the normal flow or function of something

Example:The disruptions to traffic made commuters late for work.

investigation (n.)

A detailed examination or inquiry into a matter

Example:The investigation revealed that the funds had been misappropriated.

foreign currencies (n.)

Money used in other countries, such as dollars, euros, or pounds

Example:The company holds reserves in foreign currencies to manage exchange risk.

freelance (adj.)

Working independently, not employed by a single employer

Example:He earns a living as a freelance translator.

evidence (n.)

Information or proof that supports a claim or argument

Example:The court requires solid evidence before making a verdict.

custody (n.)

The state of being held or kept in a particular place, especially by the authorities

Example:The suspect remained in custody while the investigation continued.

audits (n.)

Official examinations of financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance

Example:The company underwent audits to verify its tax returns.