Andhra Chainsaw Attack: Accused Shot and Caught After Dramatic Forest Chase

Police on Sunday shot and apprehended Hemant, the man accused of attacking two Class 10 students with a chainsaw inside a government school in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district, after he allegedly attacked police personnel attempting to arrest him in a forest area.

According to police sources, special teams from Anantapur district rushed to the Atmakur forest area after receiving information that Hemant was hiding there. When personnel attempted to take him into custody, he allegedly attacked them, prompting the police to open six rounds of fire.

Hemant sustained serious injuries in the firing and was shifted to the District Government General Hospital in Anantapur for treatment, sources said. There were also reports that the accused had injured the Raptadu Circle Inspector during the incident, although this could not be independently confirmed immediately.

Hemant allegedly attacked the two students at Raptadu Zilla Parishad High School on October 31, entering their classroom with a chainsaw. The incident triggered widespread outrage and raised serious concerns over security at government schools.

One of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries, including the complete severing of her right hand, deep wounds to her face and neck, multiple fractures and damage to blood vessels. She was initially treated at Anantapur Government General Hospital before being shifted to a private hospital in Bengaluru through a green corridor for advanced medical care. Her condition was subsequently reported to be stable.

The second student sustained injuries while attempting to intervene and protect her classmate. She suffered cuts and a fracture to her ankle and was undergoing treatment.

State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav had earlier assured the critically injured girl's parents that the Andhra Pradesh government would bear the entire cost of her treatment. He also recommended the second student's name to the Prime Minister's Office for a bravery award, recognising her courage in trying to save her friend.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had expressed shock and anger over the attack and directed the police to track down the accused and ensure strict legal action.