Police said the incident took place late last night when the woman, who hails from Jharkhand, was returning from work to her paying guest accomodation at Panchanantala Road.
The attacker punched her on the face before snatching away her bag she was carrying on her shoulder. There was none to help the woman nor was there any witness due to the late hour, the police said.
The attacker was arrested after she complained to the police and the bag containing two mobile phones and Rs 1200 cash was recovered from him, the police added.