Uttar Pradesh: Woman Fights Off Snatchers for 23 Minutes in Etah, 2 Arrested After Police Encounter (Watch Video)
A 45-year-old woman successfully defended her belongings during a nearly 23-minute physical struggle against two motorcycle-borne snatchers in the Jaithra area of Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.
A 45-year-old woman in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district fought off two motorcycle-borne snatchers for nearly 23 minutes during an attempted robbery, with the dramatic incident later leading to the arrest of the accused after a police encounter, officials said, as reported in TOI. CCTV footage of the attack, which has circulated widely on social media, showed the woman resisting despite being assaulted, dragged on the road and pushed into a drain.
The incident took place in the Jaithra area of Etah on the night of May 6. Police identified the woman as Anita Devi. Authorities said the accused attempted to snatch her bag while she was returning home. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: School Teacher Accused of Raping Minor Student in Fatehpur; Victim Attempts Suicide.
Woman Fights Off Snatchers for 23 Minutes in Etah
In UP's Etah, an elderly woman was brutally attacked - hurled into a filthy sewer line, slammed and tossed across the ground again and again, mercilessly stomped on. Yet through it all, she refused to let go of her purse. Defeated by the sheer bravery, attackers finally gave up. pic.twitter.com/V2Eg0lbX84
— Piyush Rai (@PiyushRaiUP65) May 15, 2026
CCTV Footage Captures Lengthy Struggle
According to police and local reports, Anita Devi resisted the attackers continuously for around 23 minutes, refusing to let go of her belongings even after the assailants allegedly punched and dragged her along the road. The confrontation reportedly ended after nearby residents began approaching the spot, forcing the accused to flee. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Woman Abducted, Tied to Tree After Rejecting Marriage Proposal in Hardoi.
Video footage from the area showed the woman trying to fend off the attackers while repeatedly calling for help. The visuals have since drawn widespread attention online, with many users praising her courage and determination during the robbery attempt.
Police Arrest Two Accused
Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh Police launched a search operation to identify and track down the suspects. Officials said two accused were arrested after an encounter with police early Saturday. Police stated that further investigation is underway, including verification of the accused’s possible involvement in similar crimes in nearby areas. Authorities have not yet disclosed complete details regarding the encounter or additional charges that may be filed.
Concerns Over Street Crimes
The incident has once again highlighted concerns surrounding chain-snatching and street crimes in several parts of Uttar Pradesh. Such cases, often involving bike-borne criminals targeting pedestrians and women, continue to remain a challenge for local law enforcement agencies. At the same time, the Etah case has also sparked discussion around public safety and bystander intervention, as the attackers reportedly fled only after people in the area started moving towards the scene.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2026 10:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
