Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday, 31 October condemned a brutal chainsaw attack on a Class 10 girl student inside her classroom at Raptadu ZP High School in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district, calling it a 'total collapse of law and order' under the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led state government. The victim sustained severe injuries to her face, head, throat, neck, and abdomen, while her right hand was reportedly almost severed in the assault.

What Happened at Raptadu ZP High School

An unidentified assailant allegedly entered the school premises during class hours and attacked the girl student with a chainsaw, according to officials. A second student, who reportedly attempted to intervene and shield the victim, was also seriously injured in the attack. Both students are currently undergoing emergency treatment at a private hospital and are said to be battling for their lives. Investigators are yet to determine whether the accused was previously known to the victim, and are examining multiple aspects of the case as efforts to apprehend the attacker continue.

Jagan's Demand for Accountability

In a post on X, Jagan Mohan Reddy said: 'The barbaric chainsaw attack on a Class 10 student inside the classroom at Rapthadu ZP High School exposes the total collapse of law and order under the TDP coalition's Jungle Raj.' He questioned how an assailant could 'freely storm into a government school and brutally assault a young girl,' describing it as evidence of the government's 'utter negligence in ensuring the safety of children, even inside educational institutions.'

Reddy further stated: 'When governance takes a backseat to political vendetta and Red Book rule, criminals run rampant without fear of the law.' He demanded the immediate arrest of the attacker, the best medical care for the injured students, an urgent review of school safety protocols across Andhra Pradesh, and 'complete accountability' from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and TDP National Working President Nara Lokesh.

Chandrababu Naidu Responds, Orders Action

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and personally monitored the student's condition, directing the medical team to accord her the highest priority and provide the best possible care, according to the Chief Minister's Office. Naidu also reportedly spoke to the student's mother by phone, offering reassurance and promising severe punishment for the accused.

'I have ordered the police to hunt down the monster responsible and deliver the harshest legal punishment swiftly,' Naidu said. Nara Lokesh also separately condemned the attack.

Investigation and School Safety in Focus

Police have launched an extensive investigation and are examining several leads, though the relationship between the attacker and the victim remains unestablished. This incident has raised urgent questions about the adequacy of security measures at government schools in Andhra Pradesh. Notably, the attack occurred on school premises during active class hours, underscoring a systemic gap in campus safety protocols. The incident is the latest in a series of violent episodes that have drawn political attention to law and order conditions in the state. All eyes are now on whether the Naidu administration can deliver a swift arrest and demonstrate meaningful reforms to school safety.