Noida violence linked to Pakistan-based X handles, probe finds

UPDATED: Apr 16, 2026 19:13 IST

A Pakistan-linked social media trail has emerged in the Noida violence case, with investigators finding that misinformation spread through X handles triggered unrest in parts of Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Sources told Aaj Tak that key details, including the identities of handlers, indicate that accounts operated from Pakistan played a role in instigating the violence.

According to the findings, multiple attempts were made by the handlers to provoke unrest even before the violence broke out.

On April 13, 2026, posts were shared from X accounts @Proudindiannavi and @Mir_llyas_INC. Investigators believe these posts were aimed at disturbing public order and inciting tensions.

The misleading content quickly spread, fuelling fear and anger among residents in several areas of Gautam Buddh Nagar.

VIOLENCE ERUPTS IN MULTIPLE AREAS

Following the circulation of the posts, tensions escalated on the ground. An aggressive crowd resorted to stone-pelting and attacked people present at the scene.

Vehicles were damaged, and both private and public property were vandalised and set on fire during the violence.

CASE REGISTERED, SECTIONS INVOKED

Police registered a case at Sector-20 police station in Gautam Buddh Nagar under case number 121/26.

The accused have been booked under Sections 353(1) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the IT Act, including Section 66.

PAKISTAN LINK ESTABLISHED

During the investigation, authorities sought details of the account users from the social media platform and carried out technical analysis.

The probe found that both X handles were being operated from Pakistan. Investigators also found that VPN services were used to conceal identities and mask the origin of the posts.

Officials believe similar attempts to incite unrest had been made earlier through these handles.

The findings have raised fresh concerns over the role of cross-border misinformation campaigns in triggering law and order situations in India.

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