A classroom in Andhra Pradesh became the scene of a shocking attack when a man allegedly entered with a chainsaw and targeted two Class 10 students. The incident left one girl critically injured and raised questions about how the attacker gained access to the school.
After fleeing the scene, the accused remained on the run until police tracked him down the following day. However, the arrest operation took an unexpected turn, ending in an exchange of fire.
Who was the accused, what allegedly drove him to attack the student, and how did the police operation unfold?
What Happened Inside The Raptadu School?
The attack took place at the Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu at around 10:30 am on 31 October when classes were underway.
According to reports, a 21-year-old man entered a Class 10 classroom carrying a mechanised chainsaw. Since repair work was reportedly taking place on the school premises, staff initially assumed he was a worker.
The accused allegedly approached a 15-year-old student, identified as Muduga Gopika, and attacked her with the machine.
Another girl was injured when she tried to intervene and protect her classmate.
Gopika suffered severe injuries, including deep wounds to her face, neck and other parts of her body. Her right hand was nearly severed and later had to be amputated. She also sustained multiple fractures.
Both students were initially taken to the Government General Hospital in Anantapur. Given the severity of Gopika's injuries, she was subsequently shifted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru through a specially arranged green corridor for advanced treatment.
Doctors performed extensive surgeries, and she was moved to the intensive care unit. Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh later said her condition was stable, although the next 48 hours remained crucial.
Who Is The Accused And What Was His Alleged Motive?
The accused has been identified as 21-year-old M Hemanth, also known as Dummu, from Nagalur village in Dharmavaram mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district.
He is reportedly a relative of the girl he allegedly targeted, believed to be her paternal uncle. According to preliminary police information, Hemanth had been stalking the teenager and proposed to her. The attack is suspected to have followed her rejection of his advances.
The alleged motive remains under investigation. Hemanth fled after the attack, prompting police to launch a search operation.
What Is The Police Action?
Anantapur police formed around 15 special teams to trace Hemanth and continued searching for him after the 31 October attack.
On the evening of 1 November, police received information that he was hiding on the outskirts of the Atmakur forest area.
Two teams were deployed to locate and apprehend him.
According to Anantapur Superintendent of Police P Jagadeesh, Hemanth was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and carrying a knife when officers approached him.
The SP said police initially warned him and fired shots into the air. However, Hemanth allegedly continued resisting arrest and attacked the officers with the knife, injuring a Circle Inspector.
Police then opened fire, with around six rounds reportedly fired during the operation. Hemanth sustained multiple bullet injuries to his lower body and was taken to the Government General Hospital in Anantapur.
He remains in critical condition.
NDTV reported that doctors were assessing the extent of the damage and that his legs could potentially require amputation.
The injured police inspector also received medical attention.
The Bigger Question: How Safe Are Schools?
With the accused undergoing treatment in police custody, investigators are expected to question him once his condition allows.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Nara Lokesh said 20 mental health counsellors would visit the homes of all 32 students in the affected Class 10 section, along with girl students from Classes 8, 9 and 10, to provide emotional support.
The attack has also raised concerns about school security. According to the class teacher, staff initially mistook the accused for a worker because repair work was underway on the premises.
The alleged motive brings another issue into focus: violence against women following rejection. A 2025 study published in BMC Public Health found that jealousy could be used to control women's behaviour, movements and sexual choices, highlighting how possessiveness can contribute to intimate partner violence.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
What happened in Raptadu, Andhra Pradesh?
A 21-year-old man allegedly entered a government school classroom on 31 October and attacked two Class 10 girls with a chainsaw.
Who is the accused in the Raptadu school attack?
The accused has been identified as 21-year-old M Hemanth, also known as Dummu. He is reportedly a relative of the girl he allegedly targeted.
Why did Hemanth allegedly attack the student?
Police said the accused had been stalking the girl and attacked her after she rejected his advances.
When was the accused arrested?
Police apprehended him on 1 November after an exchange of fire in the Atmakur forest area of Anantapur district.
Why did Andhra Pradesh Police shoot the accused?
According to Anantapur SP P. Jagadeesh, the accused allegedly attacked a police inspector with a knife while resisting arrest. Police said they fired around six rounds.
What is the accused's current condition?
He sustained multiple bullet injuries and is in critical condition at the Government General Hospital in Anantapur. Doctors are assessing the possibility of amputation.
What happened to the two schoolgirls?
One student suffered severe injuries and lost her right hand. She was shifted to a hospital in Bengaluru for advanced treatment. The second girl was injured while trying to protect her classmate.
