Girl critically injured in chainsaw attack in Andhra school, manhunt on

A Class 10 student was critically injured after a man attacked her with a chainsaw inside a classroom at Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu, Anantapur district, on Friday, 30 October 2026. Another student who tried to intervene was also hurt. The assailant fled the scene, leaving the weapon behind. Police have registered a case and launched a manhunt but have not yet identified the suspect or established a motive, according to multiple reports.

Times of India names the victim as Gopika and reports the attack followed her rejection of the suspect's advances, while other outlets say preliminary information suggests the accused was a distant relative who had been harassing her. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu condemned the attack, directed the medical team to provide priority care, and ordered police to track down the suspect and ensure swift legal punishment.

Update, 31 October 2026: The News Minute and Mathrubhumi confirm the attack, both describing the weapon as a chainsaw and stating the suspect is a distant relative who had been harassing the victim. Mathrubhumi adds that the assault followed the student rejecting the suspect's advances. Police have not yet identified the accused or established a motive, Mathrubhumi reports.