Man attacks two Class 10 girls with chainsaw in Anantapur school
One student is in critical condition after a man entered a classroom in Raptadu with an electric tree-cutting saw.
A 21-year-old man, identified as Hemanth alias Dummu, attacked two Class 10 girls with an electric tree-cutting chainsaw at Zila Parishad High School in Raptadu, Anantapur district, on Saturday morning.
The attack occurred around 10:30 am during a mathematics class. One student, Mudaga Gopika, sustained severe injuries to her face, head, throat, and abdomen, and is in critical condition. Another student, Sake Lakshmi, was injured in her arms and legs while attempting to intervene.
School principal K Rajeshwari said the accused was mistaken for a construction worker because work was in progress on the premises. This led staff and security to allow him entry despite the chainsaw in his hand.
Hemanth, who is reportedly a close relative of Gopika, was arrested by police at Dharmavaram railway station. Police suspect he may have purchased a new saw specifically for the attack.
Anantapur Rural Sub-Divisional Police Officer K Ashwin Manideep said a case has been registered and an investigation is underway to determine the motive. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed medical teams to provide the highest priority care to the critically injured girl.
The victims were rushed to the Anantapur Government General Hospital for treatment.