Foreign funding angle in Noida workers’ stir? Over Rs 1 crore traced to accused’s account

Noida: Investigators probing last month’s violent workers’ protest in Noida have traced transactions worth more than Rs 1 crore in the bank account of one of the accused, raising suspicions of possible foreign funding behind the unrest, officials said Thursday.

According to findings by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the money was allegedly received in foreign currencies, including US dollars, British pounds and euros.

Two accused, Satyam Verma and Aakriti, members of workers’ group Mazdoor Bigul Dasta, have already been booked under the National Security Act for their alleged involvement in the April 13 violence in Sector 84 and nearby areas.

Police alleged the two played a key role in inciting protesters, leading to violence and large-scale disruption of public order.

The ongoing investigation by the Commissionerate Police has yielded startling findings, including that one of the Satyam Vermas received a sum of more than one crore rupees in his bank account, purportedly from various countries.

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After the money was received in foreign currencies like Dollars, Pounds, and Euros, the accused transferred these funds to his other personal bank accounts immediately.

The investigation has revealed that the accused maintains an association with several organisations. The police are now conducting a thorough inquiry into the potential links between these organisations and foreign funding.

A detailed analysis is being conducted of the bank accounts, the sources of the funds, and the subsequent transactions from his bank account.

The police have taken significant action regarding the violent incidents that occurred during the recent labour movement and protests within the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate. According to the police, cases were registered across various police stations against individuals accused of engaging in provocative activities, arson, and spreading anarchy during the agitation.

Last month, the workers' demonstration over stagnant wages and remuneration snowballed into a major stir, with incidents of arson, vandalism, and stone-pelting reported from various industrial belts of the city, including Phase 2 and Sector 62.

Following the outbreak of violence, multiple cases were registered, and more than 300 people were held in connection with the agitation. IANS