My opinion is that the stoppage of anyone's salary is an offense and goes against natural justice. Don't think that the persons "come under the purview of the word employee or worker or labor" and that his salary is not defined under some limitation of rupees. Okay?
Beyond any act, there is one law of the land, the Constitution of India. All labor laws and other existing acts are framed based on that.
Regarding Salary Stoppage
Do not consider stopping salaries. If you are unable to run the factory at a profit, cease operations and declare closure according to the law's norms. Those employees are covered under the Minimum Wages Act, and you have an obligation to pay all your employees before the 7th of every month.
Legal Precedents
In the Bhopal gas tragedy, even foreign owners and partners were brought to trial here. It is better to take loans from suitable banks and pay regularly.
Minimum Wages Act Guidance
According to the Minimum Wages Act, if the employer lacks the capacity to pay full salaries for 100 workers but can only pay 60 persons, engage only 60 persons and pay their salaries regularly.
Legal Consequences
One more suggestion: these types of inquiries go against labor laws. If any trade union or NGOs file a case against the firm, or if any related court takes suo motu action against the company, it may lead to legal consequences.