Paris, 27 December (H.S.): French authorities arrested a 25-year-old suspect on Friday evening after he allegedly stabbed three women at distinct stations along Paris Metro Line 3, plunging the city's bustling transit network into alarm during peak end-of-year celebrations.

The assailant struck with chilling precision between 4:15 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. local time (1515-1645 GMT), targeting victims successively at République, Arts et Métiers—both adjacent to the vibrant Marais district—and Opéra stations in central Paris, according to the RATP public transport authority.

Eyewitness accounts and an AFP journalist on site at République described one woman receiving urgent aid for a leg wound, her demeanor marked by profound shock as security personnel attended to her amid the chaos.

All three sustained non-life-threatening injuries; two were hospitalized post-emergency treatment, while the third sought care independently, with firefighters and medics responding swiftly to stabilize them.

Investigators leveraged an intricate web of surveillance footage from metro cameras and geolocation data from the suspect's mobile phone to trace him northward to the Val d'Oise department, effecting his capture at 6:55 p.m.—less than three hours after the initial assault.

Paris police chief Patrice Faure lauded the reactivity and mobilisation of his teams, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez commended the operation on social media, highlighting the pivotal role of video networks and terrain expertise.

Transport police have launched probes into attempted homicide and armed assault, with preliminary assessments ruling out terrorism as a motive.

Heightened Vigilance in Shadow of Terror Threats

This incident unfolded against a backdrop of intensified security across European capitals, where authorities remain on high alert for disruptions to festive gatherings amid a very high level of terrorist threat and public disorder risks.

Just last week, Nunez urged prefects nationwide to bolster visible deterrents, particularly on public transport, as revelers filled Paris streets for holiday merriment. RATP reinforced Line 3 with backup security teams post-incident, restoring normal operations while reassuring commuters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar