Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, Oct 31:In a shocking incident, a 21-year-old man allegedly stormed a government school in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district and attacked a Class 10 student with a mechanised chainsaw inside her classroom on Saturday morning. Another girl sustained injuries while attempting to save her classmate.

The incident took place around 10.30 am at the Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu mandal, when a mathematics class was underway. The accused, identified as Hemanth alias Dummu, allegedly entered the classroom carrying a power chainsaw and attacked the student, identified as Gopika. 

According to media reports, the victim suffered severe injuries to her face, head, neck and back. Her right hand was also reportedly nearly severed. Another student, identified as Lakshmi, sustained injuries to her leg when she tried to intervene and protect Gopika.

Both students were rushed to the Government General Hospital in Anantapur for emergency treatment. Gopika was reportedly in critical condition and battling for her life, with doctors considering advanced surgical treatment. Her classmate also received medical attention.

Accused arrested

Following the attack, the accused fled the school premises. However, police tracked him down and arrested him near Dharmavaram railway station later in the day.

Preliminary reports identified Hemanth as a distant relative of the victim. According to local media reports, the alleged attack may have been triggered by the girl's rejection of his romantic proposal. However, the circumstances and motive behind the assault are yet to be conclusively established by investigators.

Reports also indicated that ongoing repair work at the school may have helped the accused enter the premises. School staff and security personnel reportedly mistook him for a worker. The incident triggered panic among students and teachers, several of whom reportedly fled the classroom during the attack. Police have taken up an investigation into the incident.

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CM Chandrababu Naidu condemns attack

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu strongly condemned the attack and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured student.

Expressing anguish over the incident, Naidu said he was personally monitoring the girl's recovery and had instructed the medical team to accord her treatment the highest priority.

He also directed the police to take stringent action against the accused and ensure that he faces the harshest punishment under the law. Education Minister Nara Lokesh also condemned the assault, describing it as an inhuman act against a young girl in a place meant for learning and safety.

Further investigation is underway.