Andhra Chainsaw Attack Accused Undergoes Leg Amputation; Class 10 Victim Taken Off Ventilator

Doctors at the Government General Hospital in Anantapur amputated the accused Hemanth's right leg below the knee after blood circulation deteriorated. The procedure was carried out shortly after midnight on Monday, hospital officials said.

Hospital Superintendent Malliswari said doctors also operated on his left leg. Following the procedures, Hemanth was shifted to the Acute Medical Care Unit, where his condition was reported to be stable.

He had sustained bullet injuries during police firing on November 1 while allegedly attempting to escape through the Atmakur forest area.

Victim shows signs of improvement

The attack took place on October 31, when Hemanth allegedly entered a classroom at Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu and assaulted 15-year-old Gopika, a Class 10 student, with an electric chainsaw.

The girl suffered serious injuries to her head, face and back. She was subsequently shifted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru for treatment.

Andhra Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said on Tuesday that Gopika's condition was stable and doctors had removed her from ventilator support following surgery.

He said the girl had begun speaking, although she could manage only a few words at a time. Doctors were also gradually reducing her high-flow oxygen support. She continues to receive nutrition through a nasal feeding tube.

Ministers share medical update

State Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh also provided an update on the girl's recovery after visiting the hospital on Monday.

Lokesh said Gopika was showing steady improvement, with her eyes open and vital parameters remaining stable. Initial assessments by ophthalmology and neurosurgery specialists had not indicated any major concerns, he said.

Further detailed eye examinations and orthopaedic surgery were expected later in the week. The medical team is continuing to monitor her condition closely.

According to the initial account of the incident, Hemanth is a close relative of the girl and allegedly attacked her after she rejected his proposal.