Andhra Schoolgirl Attack: Next 48 Hours Critical, Lokesh Urges Prayers

Amaravati, November 1: Doctors have confirmed that a 10th-grade student from Andhra Pradesh, injured in a chainsaw attack inside her school, is still in serious condition. She is receiving treatment in Bengaluru, and doctors say the next 48 hours will be vital.

The incident occurred on Saturday at Zilla Parishad High School in Rapthadu, Anantapur district. The accused, Hemanth, is said to be a close relative of the girl and remains absconding.

On Sunday, Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh visited Bengaluru. At Manipal Hospital, he met the treating doctors and reviewed the girl's health and ongoing medical care.

As per Lokesh's account, a man armed with a chainsaw entered the school premises around 10 am and attacked the student. He said police and district health authorities were alerted immediately after the attack came to light.

The girl was initially taken to a government hospital, where doctors worked for about eight hours to stabilise her. Once she could be safely transported, she was moved to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru. Doctors began treatment at once and, after a surgery lasting nearly 12 hours, she was admitted to the ICU.

Lokesh termed the next 48 hours extremely sensitive and requested people across Andhra Pradesh to pray for the girl's quick recovery. He said that during this hard phase she needs the goodwill and prayers of everyone.

Reassuring the family of the government's full cooperation, he described the incident as highly regrettable and urged that it not be politicised. He stated that the girl's healthcare, uninterrupted treatment and later rehabilitation are the joint responsibility of the government and himself. He also admitted that the episode has underlined the need to strengthen existing security mechanisms and procedures.

The government, he said, is treating the case with great seriousness and will not step back from its responsibility. Additional security measures will be enforced so that such incidents do not happen again in Andhra Pradesh.

He further warned that anyone in the state who makes objectionable comments or behaves inappropriately towards women will face serious consequences. Lokesh assured that strict action will be taken against all those responsible for the Rapthadu school attack and that no accused person will be spared.