Man attacks girls with chainsaw in Andhra school: police shoot

Anantapur: A 21-year-old man who attacked two Class 10 girls with an electric chainsaw inside their classroom in Andhra Pradesh was shot by police while attempting to escape custody, days after the brutal assault left one student critically injured.

The incident took place at Rapthadu Government High School in Anantapur district on October 31. The accused, identified as Hemanth, allegedly stormed into the classroom and attacked the two students. Preliminary investigations suggest that the assault was triggered by resentment over one of the girls rejecting his marriage proposal.

One of the victims sustained critical injuries and was shifted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru for specialised treatment. Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh said her condition was extremely serious, with the next 48 hours considered crucial.

After the attack, Hemanth went into hiding. Police tracked him down in the Atmakur forest area on November 1. During the attempt to apprehend him, he allegedly attacked a police officer with a knife and tried to flee, prompting the police to open fire.

The accused sustained gunshot injuries and was taken into custody before being admitted to Anantapur Government Hospital. His condition was also reported to be critical.

Meanwhile, Lokesh visited the injured student at the hospital and assured her family that the state government would provide all necessary medical assistance. He also promised measures to strengthen student safety in schools.