'How Can We Pay Rs 20,000 For Bail': Families Of Noida Protesters Struggle To Secure Their Release

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 23:19 IST

At least 300 people have been arrested in connection with the Noida workers' protest on April 13, which turned violent.

Thousands of workers poured onto the streets demanding higher wages, sparking violent clashes that resulted in hundreds of arrests. As the dust settles, the aftermath of the demonstration has revealed the pain of the families who are struggling to secure the release of their loved ones.

Devi, who has a sick child to take care of, frantically boarded a late-night train from Bihar after her husband, Anand Kumar Ram, was arrested from his workplace in connection with the protests. She said her husband was called by the HR and taken to a garden-like area, where the police were waiting for them.

“Why will he go there [to protest]? We shifted to Noida for work so we could afford better treatment for our son; he struggles to urinate," she told The Indian Express, adding that her two-year-old toddler has undergone two surgeries so far.

‘Rs 20,000 Bail On Rs 11,000 Salary’

Devi said the family, along with their other two children (aged 12 and 8), moved to Noida around two years ago. “My husband cannot afford to lose a single day of work as he earns just Rs 11,000 a month. When I heard from his friend that he’d been arrested, I rushed here along with my mother and two children," she said.

A lawyer told them that Ram has been booked under several sections, including attempt to murder; rioting; voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty; assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty; act endangering life or personal safety of others; and criminal conspiracy.

Devi’s mother, Lalita, told The Indian Express that they are trying to collect Rs 20,000 to pay the lawyer for his bail. “The sum looms in front of our eyes, from where will we get it? I have asked our relatives to help," she said.

Along with Ram, two other workers – Sunil Kumar and Kunjbihari – were also arrested. “They had left for work when the protest broke out at 5 pm… and they returned around 6.10 pm and did not leave then. The ones who did not do anything are facing trouble now," said Sunil’s younger brother, adding that he had to pay Rs 20,000 for his bail.

Workers demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000 during the April 13 protest. They have rejected current annual increments that they claim are as low as Rs 250-350. They highlighted the struggle to survive on Rs 11,000 to Rs 13,000 per month amid rising costs for essential items like rations and LPG, which some workers reported costs up to Rs 400 per kg on the black market.

Gautam Buddh Nagar’s Police Commissioner, Laxmi Singh, on Tuesday revealed that over 300 individuals have been detained and seven FIRs filed over the protests.

News india 'How Can We Pay Rs 20,000 For Bail': Families Of Noida Protesters Struggle To Secure Their Release

Read More