Jagan Mohan Reddy to Visit Bengaluru Hospital After Brutal Chainsaw Attack on Student
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy visits Bengaluru to meet Gopika, a Class 10 student brutally attacked with a chainsaw in her Anantapur classroom.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is scheduled to visit Bengaluru on Monday to meet Gopika, a Class 10 student who became the victim of a horrific attack. The young girl was allegedly targeted with a chainsaw inside her own classroom at a Zilla Parishad High School in Rapthadu, Anantapur district.
Gopika is currently receiving medical care at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru. Jagan Mohan Reddy is expected to arrive at the hospital at 2:15 pm to check on her health condition, inquire about the treatment being provided, and offer support to her family during this traumatic time.
The Horror in the Classroom
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the region, occurred when an intruder entered a Class 10 classroom during school hours. The assailant, identified as a relative of the victim, reportedly used a wood-cutting saw or blade to brutally attack Gopika. In a courageous attempt to save her classmate, another student intervened and was also injured in the process.
Anantapur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ashwin Manideep Kakumanu confirmed the brutality of the act, stating that the student was attacked severely within the school premises.
Police Manhunt and Dramatic Arrest
Following the attack, the police launched a massive operation to capture the perpetrator. Superintendent of Police (SP) Jagadeesh revealed that approximately 15 teams were formed, working tirelessly to track the suspect.
The pursuit culminated in a violent encounter on the outskirts of the Atmakur forest area in Anantapur district. According to the SP, the accused attempted to attack police personnel with a knife during the operation, resulting in injuries to an inspector. In response, the police opened fire, hitting the suspect below the knee and in the lower body with around six rounds.
The accused is currently in critical condition and is undergoing treatment at GJ Chananthapuram. Authorities have stated that interrogation will begin as soon as his medical condition permits.
Government Response and Trauma Care
The attack has prompted a swift response from the Andhra Pradesh government. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu condemned the act and ordered the police to ensure the harshest possible legal punishment for the attacker. The Chief Minister also spoke to Gopika over the phone in the presence of her mother, urging her to stay brave and promising justice.
Mental Health Initiative
Recognizing the deep psychological impact on the student body, Education Minister Nara Lokesh announced a comprehensive trauma-response initiative. Through a post on X, Lokesh detailed the deployment of 20 mental health counsellors to provide emotional support.
The counseling efforts include:
- Door-to-door visits to the homes of all 32 students in Class 10-A.
- Support sessions for girl students in Classes 8, 9, and 10.
- Direct engagement with parents to help children cope with the trauma of the incident.
Minister Lokesh emphasized that the priority of the government is to ensure that every affected child feels safe and supported following this disturbing event.