Andhra chainsaw attack accused shot by police while trying to escape custody

A 21-year-old man accused of attacking a 15-year-old Class 10 student with a chainsaw inside her school in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district was shot by police on Sunday night after allegedly attempting to escape custody, officials said.

The accused, identified as Hemanth alias Dummu, was seriously injured in the firing. He was taken to hospital for treatment, with his condition reported to be critical.

According to local reports, an official from Anantapur police headquarters confirmed that Hemanth had been picked up by a special police team from the Atmakur forest area of the district on Sunday evening.

Accused allegedly attacked police during escape attempt

According to the police, Hemanth was being taken to Rapthadu to reconstruct the scene of the crime when he allegedly tried to flee.

The accused reportedly began hurling stones at police personnel as they attempted to bring him under control. Several officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.

“As the situation escalated, the police opened fire on Hemanth in self-defence to prevent his escape and bring him under control,” the official said, as per a Hindustan Times report.

The police fired six rounds, leaving Hemanth seriously injured. He was subsequently shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Visuals of the accused being carried into the hospital in a semi-conscious state have circulated on social media.

Class 10 student’s condition remains critical

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh said the condition of the 15-year-old girl injured in the chainsaw attack remained critical.

The student is undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru, where doctors have been monitoring her condition.

Lokesh spoke to the medical team to review her treatment and later visited the hospital, where he met the victim and her family.

“The next 48 hours will be critical,” he told reporters, appealing to people across Andhra Pradesh to pray for the girl’s recovery.

The student was initially taken to Anantapur Government General Hospital, where doctors worked for nearly eight hours to stabilise her condition.

A doctor at the hospital had said the girl’s right hand was severely cut at the shoulder, exposing the joint, while her face had sustained extensive injuries requiring multiple surgeries.

After her condition turned critical, she was shifted to Bengaluru for further treatment. Doctors at Manipal Hospital initiated treatment and performed surgery lasting nearly 12 hours before moving her to the intensive care unit.

Attack took place inside Rapthadu school

The incident occurred at around 10.30 am on Saturday at Zilla Parishad High School in Rapthadu, Anantapur district.

Hemanth allegedly entered the school premises carrying a chainsaw and attacked the Class 10 student. Another girl, who attempted to intervene and stop the assault, was also injured.

The attack triggered panic among students and teachers at the school.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had expressed anguish over the incident and directed officials to ensure the victim received the best possible medical care.

Lokesh assured the family of the government’s full support, describing the incident as extremely unfortunate and urging that it not be politicised.

He said ensuring the girl’s healthcare, continued treatment and subsequent rehabilitation was both the collective responsibility of the government and his personal responsibility.

The minister also acknowledged that the incident had highlighted the need to strengthen existing safety systems and procedures.

Andhra Education Minister Nara Lokesh issued a stern warning against harassment and indecent behaviour towards women, saying those engaging in inappropriate remarks or conduct in Andhra Pradesh would face severe consequences.

He assured that strict action would be taken against everyone responsible for the Rapthadu school attack and that no one involved would be spared.