On May 13, 2026, the Uttar Pradesh police invoked the National Security Act of 1980 against activists Satyam Verma and Aakriti Choudhary, who were arrested during a workers' protest in Noida. The police, led by Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissioner Laxmi Singh, stated that both individuals played significant roles in inciting violence and disorder during the protests, which have been ongoing since early 2026. The protests, which began as a demand for wage increases and better working conditions, escalated in Noida in April, leading to incidents of vehicle burning and stone pelting. Verma, a senior journalist, and Choudhary, a student activist, were among seven activists arrested. While the police claim to have strong electronic and videographic evidence against them, their lawyers argue that the police have not provided sufficient documentation to support the NSA invocation. Additionally, allegations of procedural lapses during the arrests have emerged, including claims of custodial violence and failure to show arrest memos. The police have denied these allegations, asserting that all procedures were followed correctly.