Anantapur School Horror: Two Class 10 Girls Attacked with Saw, Accused Arrested

A shocking incident at a government school in Rapthadu, Anantapur district, has triggered widespread outrage after a 21-year-old man allegedly entered a classroom and attacked two Class 10 students with a saw on Saturday, leaving both girls injured.

The accused reportedly entered the Zilla Parishad High School while repair work was underway on the premises. Mistaking him for a worker, the school staff allegedly allowed him inside. He subsequently entered a classroom and attacked the two students. One of the girls sustained serious injuries, while the other was reportedly hurt while attempting to protect her classmate. Both were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Police identified the accused as Hemanth, alias Dummuga, a 21-year-old resident of Naguluru village in Dharmavaram mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district. Preliminary investigation revealed that he was a distant relative of one of the victims. After the attack, he allegedly fled the scene but was later apprehended near Dharmavaram railway station. Police are questioning him to establish the motive behind the crime.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and spoke to one of the injured students over the phone. The girl's mother was also present during the conversation. The Chief Minister assured the student that the government would stand by her and asked her to remain courageous. He promised strict action against the accused and directed officials to ensure adequate medical treatment and protection for both victims.

Chandrababu also spoke to local MLA and Minister Paritala Sunitha to enquire about the student's health and review the medical assistance being provided. He instructed officials to ensure that the second injured girl also received the best possible treatment.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed deep anguish over the attack and spoke to the Anantapur District Collector to obtain details. He directed officials to provide advanced medical care to both students and assured their families of the government's support.

Minister Paritala Sunitha visited the hospital and met the injured student and her family members. She enquired about the girl's condition with the doctors and assured the family of all necessary assistance. She maintained that the government would not compromise on the safety of women and girls and that strict legal action would be taken against the accused.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised the incident, describing the attack inside a school as a reflection of the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state. He demanded the best possible medical treatment for the victims, a transparent investigation and stringent punishment for the accused. He also called for a review of security arrangements in educational institutions.

As the seriously injured student required advanced medical care, she was shifted to Bengaluru for further treatment. Police reportedly arranged a green corridor to ensure her swift transportation to the hospital.

Taking note of the security lapse, higher authorities suspended the school headmaster for alleged negligence in handling the incident. The police are investigating how the accused managed to enter the school and carry out the attack inside a classroom.

Former MLA Thopudurthi Prakash Reddy and former MP Gorantla Madhav also visited the victim's family and offered their support. They demanded strict punishment for the accused and urged the authorities to strengthen security measures in schools to prevent similar incidents.

The brutal attack has raised serious concerns over the safety of students on school premises and highlighted the need for stricter entry regulations and effective security arrangements in educational institutions.