A Class 10 student suffered severe injuries after a young man allegedly attacked her with a tree-cutting saw inside a classroom at Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday morning.
The victim, identified as Mudaga Gopika, sustained serious injuries and heavy blood loss during the attack, which occurred at approximately 10.30 am. Another student, Sake Lakshmi, injured her leg while attempting to escape.
According to police and school officials, the attacker entered the Class 10-A classroom, where 31 students were present, and went directly towards Gopika before assaulting her.
Terrified students rushed out of the classroom screaming, while the attacker escaped within two to three minutes.
Teachers from neighbouring classrooms rushed to help and transported both injured girls to Government General Hospital in Anantapur for treatment.
Police identified the suspected attacker as M. Hemanth, a close relative of Gopika. Investigators believe he may have purchased a new saw specifically for the assault, after a protective cover for the weapon was reportedly recovered from the school premises.
Police have deployed forensic teams and a dog squad to examine the scene, while special teams have been formed to locate the suspect. Investigators are also examining whether the attack was planned in advance.
Villagers said Hemanth had been working as a daily-wage labourer at a tomato market in Anantapur Rural. He had reportedly moved between different locations following the deaths of his mother during the Covid-19 pandemic and his father approximately three years ago.
Rajarajeswari, the mathematics teacher who witnessed the attack, described the terrifying incident.
“At around 10.30 am, a young man suddenly entered the classroom carrying a large object. He went straight to Gopika and attacked her with it,” she said.
“I was completely shocked and could not understand what was happening. All the children ran out of the classroom in panic.”
The teacher said she remained deeply shaken by the experience, adding that recalling the incident still sent shivers down her spine.
Police have yet to establish a motive for the attack, while relatives expressed disbelief that Hemanth would allegedly target a member of his own family.