Andhra school chainsaw attack accused shot by police while 'trying to escape'

A 21-year-old man accused of attacking two schoolgirls with a chainsaw inside a government school in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district was critically injured in police firing on Sunday evening after allegedly attempting to escape from custody, officials said.

The accused, identified as Hemanth alias Dummu, sustained bullet injuries during a police operation near the Atmakur forest area. He was subsequently shifted to the Government General Hospital in Anantapur for treatment.

According to police, Hemanth allegedly resisted arrest, hurled stones at personnel and attempted to flee while carrying a knife. Police personnel opened fire, reportedly discharging six rounds, after the situation escalated.

Several police personnel were also reported to have sustained injuries during the confrontation.

𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Police said a special team had traced the accused to the Atmakur forest area following information about his whereabouts. Officers moved in to apprehend him in connection with the chainsaw attack at Zilla Parishad High School in Rapthadu.

According to officials, Hemanth allegedly attempted to escape when police approached him. He reportedly pelted stones at the personnel and threatened them with a knife, prompting officers to open fire in self-defence.

The accused suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital under police security.

Reports differed on whether the firing occurred during his initial apprehension or while he was being taken for reconstruction of the crime scene. The precise circumstances surrounding the police action were yet to be independently established.

𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸

The development came after Hemanth allegedly entered a classroom at the government school in Rapthadu on Saturday and attacked a 15-year-old Class 10 student with a running chainsaw.

Another girl was injured while attempting to intervene and protect her classmate.

The attack occurred around 10.30 am while lessons were underway, triggering panic among students and teachers. According to eyewitness accounts, the accused entered the classroom carrying the machine before targeting the student.

The principal victim sustained multiple grievous injuries, including severe damage to her right arm, neck, face and other parts of her body.

She was initially admitted to Anantapur Government General Hospital, where doctors provided emergency treatment before shifting her to a private hospital in Bengaluru for specialised care.

The second injured student also received medical treatment following the attack.

𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱

Investigators are examining allegations that the attack followed the rejection of the accused's advances towards the girl.

Police sources indicated that Hemanth, who was reportedly known to the victim's family, had allegedly been pursuing her. However, the motive has not been conclusively established, and investigators are examining witness statements and other evidence.

School authorities said the attacker appeared to have entered the premises when the main gate was briefly unattended.

Police have collected CCTV footage and are examining how the accused gained access to the school during class hours.

𝗖𝗠 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

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

The Chief Minister also instructed police to conduct a thorough investigation and take stringent legal action against those responsible.

State Education Minister Nara Lokesh, who reviewed the girl's condition, said the government would extend necessary assistance for her treatment and rehabilitation.

He also emphasised the need to strengthen safety arrangements in schools following the incident.

The attack has prompted widespread concern over student safety and security arrangements at educational institutions. Authorities have indicated that security measures at the school will be strengthened as the investigation continues.