November 2, 2026: The Andhra chainsaw attack accused has been arrested. According to reports, he attacked two schoolgirls with a chainsaw inside a classroom at a government school in Anantapur district, triggering widespread concern over student safety.
A 21-year-old man identified as Hemanth alias Dummu (also reported as Hemant) was shot and apprehended by police on Sunday, November 1, following a search operation near the Atmakur forest area.
The incident occurred at Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu village on October 31, leaving two Class 10 students injured, one of them critically.
Key Highlights
- Two schoolgirls were attacked with a chainsaw in Anantapur.
- 21-year-old accused Hemanth was apprehended after a police encounter.
- Police suspect stalking and rejection as the motive.
- One victim lost her right hand and underwent surgery.
- The Andhra government deployed 20 mental health counsellors.
What Happened in the Andhra Pradesh School Chainsaw Attack?
The incident occurred at about 10 AM on October 31, when students were in class at Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu, Anantapur district.
According to preliminary reports, the offender entered the classroom carrying a chainsaw and attacked a 15-year-old girl. Another girl was also injured when she reportedly attempted to protect her classmate.
The classroom was occupied by students and a teacher when the attack occurred. Teacher Rajeshwari later described how staff initially mistook the sound of the machine for construction or maintenance work taking place on the school premises.
Before teachers and students could understand what was happening, the attack had already unfolded. The perpetrator subsequently abandoned the chainsaw and fled the school.
Who Is Behind the Anantapur Chainsaw Attack?
Police identified the accused as 21-year-old Hemanth, also known as Dummu. Preliminary police information identified him as a resident of Nagalur in Dharmavaram mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district.
According to police sources, the offender was allegedly the maternal uncle of the girl he targeted. Investigators indicated that he had reportedly been stalking her and had previously expressed romantic interest in her.
The alleged attack was linked to the rejection of his advances. However, the motive remains subject to investigation and should be understood as preliminary police information.
How Was the Chainsaw Attack Accused Arrested?
Following the October 31 attack, Anantapur police launched a search operation to locate the attacker.
According to Anantapur Superintendent of Police P. Jagadeesh, police received information between 6 PM and 6:30 PM on November 1 that Hemanth was hiding near the Atmakur forest area.
Police formed 15 teams to trace him, with two teams sent to the suspected location. When officers approached him, he allegedly resisted arrest and attacked the police personnel with a knife, injuring a Circle Inspector.
Police first issued warnings and fired warning shots before opening fire when he allegedly continued resisting arrest. Around six rounds were fired in total, including warning shots, according to the SP’s account to PTI.
Hemanth sustained serious bullet injuries and was taken to the Government General Hospital in Anantapur for emergency treatment. Police subsequently confirmed his apprehension.
What Is the Condition of the Two Injured Schoolgirls?
The recovery of both students remains a major concern following the Anantapur school attack.
One of the girls sustained severe injuries, including the loss of her right hand, deep wounds, and multiple fractures. She initially received treatment at Anantapur Government General Hospital before being transferred to a private hospital in Bengaluru through a green corridor for specialised medical care.
The latest PTI report carried by Rediff stated that her condition was stable following the transfer. Earlier reports had described her condition as critical. Education Minister Nara Lokesh said the surgeries had been completed successfully and her condition was stable, although the next 48 hours remained crucial.
The second girl also sustained injuries while attempting to save her classmate.
Andhra Government Deploys Counsellors for Affected Students
The attack has also raised concerns about the emotional well-being of students who witnessed the incident.
Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh announced that a team of 20 mental health counsellors had been deployed to support affected students and their families.
The counsellors are visiting the homes of all 32 students in Class 10-A, along with girl students from Classes 8, 9 and 10. The initiative aims to provide emotional support and help children cope with the trauma.
What Happens Next in the Andhra Chainsaw Attack Case?
With the accused in the chainsaw attack taken into custody and receiving medical treatment, the investigation into the Raptadu school attack remains important.
Police will need to establish the complete sequence of events, examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged stalking, and determine the evidence supporting the reported motive.
The incident has also brought school security and student protection into focus. Ensuring safer school premises, stronger visitor monitoring, and accessible reporting mechanisms for harassment are important steps in preventing similar incidents.
The investigation and the medical recovery of the injured students remain the key developments to watch as more official information emerges.
