It has been more than a fortnight since Daman*, an employee at an export firm, last reported for duty. Instead, he has been running from pillar to post to get his brother Bablu* released from jail. The 21-year-old gig worker was arrested on April 13, just hours after a protest by thousands of factory workers in Noida demanding wage hikes and better working conditions, which later turned violent.

“His arrest has set us back financially,” said Mr. Daman, who provides for his wife and two children and supports his parents with the help of his brother, a delivery executive. “I cannot afford to lose my job, but nor can I let my brother rot in jail,” he said.