Noida scissors attacker arrested: Ankit Verma targeted women in isolated stretches
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A man has been arrested for allegedly attacking women with a pair of scissors in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, after following them on a two-wheeler through isolated road stretches. The accused, Ankit Verma, a resident of Ghaziabad employed at a private company in Noida, was apprehended from the Sector-55/56 road area on 23 May 2025, according to police.
How the Attacks Unfolded
The incidents came to light after two women were assaulted on 22 May 2025 on the Sector-55 road stretch in Noida's Gautam Buddha Nagar district. Both victims sustained injuries after being struck from behind by an assailant who reportedly approached on a scooter. A case was registered at Sector-58 police station without delay, and an investigation was launched immediately.
According to police officials, Verma allegedly targeted women passing through relatively isolated stretches, striking suddenly from behind. Authorities are probing whether he may be linked to similar incidents elsewhere in the area.
How Police Identified and Caught the Suspect
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from surrounding areas and deployed electronic surveillance to trace the suspect's movements. Based on technical inputs and ground intelligence, Verma was identified as the alleged perpetrator. Acting on specific information, a team from Sector-58 police station arrested him from the Sector-55/56 road area. Officers also recovered the scooter allegedly used in the crime and the pair of scissors believed to be the weapon of assault.
What the Police Said
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Manisha Singh confirmed the arrest and outlined the police action. She said: 'On May 23, the team of Police Station Sector-58 arrested a person regarding whom information was being received that, for the past several days, he used to attack women or girls going through isolated areas by striking them from behind with scissors. In this connection, Sector-58 police and their team had been making continuous efforts. This person was arrested today…'
Police have stated that further legal action will be taken after completion of the investigation.
Motive Under Investigation
The motive behind the attacks remains unclear and is still under active investigation. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional victims or linked incidents in the district. This comes amid recurring concerns about the safety of women in peri-urban stretches of the National Capital Region (NCR), where isolated road segments are often poorly surveilled.
Surveillance and Safety Measures
Authorities reiterated that strict surveillance is being maintained in sensitive areas across Noida to ensure women's safety and prevent similar incidents. The swift arrest — within approximately 24 hours of the registered complaint — has been cited by police as evidence of the effectiveness of electronic and ground-level intelligence coordination.
The investigation is ongoing, and police say further legal proceedings will follow once the probe is complete.