In a significant ruling, a Gautam Budh Nagar court has granted bail to Mahendra, a man arrested in connection with a violent workers' protest that occurred on April 13 in Noida. The additional sessions judge, Somprabha Mishra, observed that the prosecution did not provide any material evidence establishing Mahendra's 'active and identifiable role' in the unrest. The court highlighted the absence of CCTV footage, photographs, or other documentation linking him to the violence. Mahendra, who was arrested on April 16, faced charges including attempt to murder and rioting. His defense maintained that he was innocent and had been wrongfully implicated, as he was not named in the FIR and was on his way to work when arrested. The protest had erupted following the Haryana government's announcement of a 35% wage increase for workers, resulting in significant unrest, including vandalism of over 100 factories. Despite the prosecution's claims based on witness statements, the court found the evidence insufficient, leading to Mahendra's release on a personal bond of ₹50,000. However, the bail pleas of ten other accused individuals were denied.