Sandeep Reddy Vanga hits back at critics after Andhra Pradesh school attack
The director responded to social media users who blamed his films for a chainsaw attack on a Class 10 student in Anantapur.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has criticised actors and directors who targeted his work following a chainsaw attack on a Class 10 student at Raptadu Zilla Parishad High School in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred on October 31, when a 21-year-old man attacked the 15-year-old girl in her classroom, according to The Economic Times.
Vanga, known for directing Arjun Reddy and Animal, responded on X to social media users who linked the crime to cinematic violence. He argued that people were finding a scapegoat instead of showing empathy towards the victim.
The director accused some actors, directors, and producers of being failed, frustrated, and jobless. He claimed they were using the tragedy to settle personal scores and stated that a tragedy deserves empathy rather than opportunism.
The victim was critically injured and rushed to a hospital, but she has since been taken off ventilator support and is showing signs of recovery.
The accused fled to a forest after the attack but was tracked by police the following day. During his apprehension, police shot him in the leg in self-defence after he allegedly tried to attack a Circle Inspector with a knife.
The accused underwent an emergency amputation of his leg above the knee due to necrosis and gangrene caused by injuries to his blood circulation. He remains in police custody while recovering at Anantapur Government General Hospital.