Raptadu chainsaw attack: Manchu Manoj 'deeply shaken', urges respect for women
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Telugu actor Manchu Manoj on 2 November 2026 voiced deep anguish over the Raptadu school chainsaw attack in Andhra Pradesh, saying the assault on two Class 10 girls had left him personally disturbed. The actor shared his reaction on Instagram, calling for sustained mental health support for the survivors and their families while drawing a direct link between everyday disrespect toward women and incidents of extreme violence.
What Manchu Manoj Said
'As a father, the attack at Raptadu school has left me deeply shaken. Praying to God for both girls' speedy and complete recovery, and strength for their families,' Manchu Manoj wrote in his post. He singled out the classmate who stepped in to shield her friend, describing her act as 'rare and extraordinary courage' deserving 'deepest respect and recognition.'
The actor also expressed gratitude to the medical professionals involved, noting, 'Grateful to the doctors for their lifesaving care, and to the Andhra Pradesh government, police and medical teams who coordinated the green corridor and transfer for advanced treatment.'
Call for Mental Health Support
Manchu Manoj welcomed the deployment of 20 mental health counsellors for students affected by the trauma but emphasised that the support must be sustained. 'Please ensure sustained support reaches every child, teacher and family affected by this trauma,' he wrote. The deployment of counsellors signals an official acknowledgement that the psychological fallout of the attack extends well beyond the two direct victims.
The Broader Message on Women's Safety
The actor did not limit his statement to condemnation of the act itself. He pointed to a deeper cultural problem, arguing, 'When women are objectified and disrespected, even casually, even for fun, inside homes and in society, it shapes dangerous attitudes.' He called for firm consequences for harassment and violence, and stressed that everyday disrespect must be challenged. 'Respect for women begins at home. Our children are watching,' he said, closing his message with a call to collectively build a safer society.
The Raptadu School Attack: What Happened
The incident occurred at Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, where a man attacked a Class 10 girl inside her classroom with a chainsaw. According to officials, the student sustained severe injuries to her face, head, and throat, with deep wounds to her neck and abdomen. Her right hand was reportedly almost severed in the assault. A second girl who attempted to intervene and protect her classmate was also seriously injured. Both victims are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital.
Public Outcry and Response
The attack has sparked nationwide outrage, with several public figures joining the condemnation. The incident is among the most disturbing school-premises attacks in recent memory in Andhra Pradesh, raising urgent questions about security protocols at government schools. The Andhra Pradesh government's coordination of a green corridor to facilitate the victims' transfer for advanced treatment has been noted as a prompt administrative response. How authorities address both the security lapse and the survivors' long-term recovery will be closely watched in the days ahead.