A policeman standing guard in Noida, a day after the April 13 riot over pay rises, which turned violent and led to several arrests. | Photo credit: ANUSHREE FADNAVIS
More than fifteen days have passed since Daman*, an employee of an export company, last reported to work. Instead, he has been running from column to column to get his brother Bablu* out of jail. The 21-year-old worker was arrested on April 13, just hours after a protest by thousands of factory workers in Noida demanding wage increases and better working conditions, which later turned violent.
“His arrest has set us back financially,” said Daman, who supports his wife and two children and supports his parents with the help of his brother, a delivery executive. “I can’t afford to lose my job, but I also can’t allow my brother to rot in prison,” he said.
Published – May 1, 2026 01:15 am IST