Bengaluru: An Andhra Pradesh schoolgirl who was brutally attacked inside a classroom at a government high school in Raptadu, Anantapur district, remains in critical condition at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru. Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Education Nara Lokesh visited the hospital on Sunday to enquire about her health.
After meeting the treating doctors, Lokesh said the next 48 hours would be crucial for the girl’s recovery. He appealed to the public to pray for her survival and said the medical team was making every effort to save her life.
Government assures strict action
Lokesh said the state government had ordered a thorough investigation into the attack. Special police teams have been formed to trace the accused, who allegedly switched off his mobile phone before carrying out the crime.
The minister assured that everyone involved would face strict action under the law. He said the government would not spare anyone responsible for the attack and that the investigation would be pursued seriously.
The incident has triggered widespread concern among parents, teachers and students, particularly those who witnessed the assault. The government has also taken steps to address the emotional impact on the children who were present at the school.
Counselling support for affected students
The Education Department has deployed special counsellors to help students cope with the trauma. Lokesh said the children could require up to a year to recover from the psychological impact of witnessing such a violent incident.
He added that a long-term counselling and support mechanism would be established to ensure that the affected students receive continued assistance.
The minister also acknowledged the courage of another girl who sustained injuries while attempting to intervene and stop the attacker. She is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Anantapur and is reportedly recovering.
Accused allegedly entered school posing as construction worker
According to the information available, the accused allegedly entered the government school on Saturday morning pretending to be a construction worker. Building work was reportedly under way on the school premises, which may have helped him gain access to the campus.
He then entered a classroom and attacked the student. The incident caused panic among those present at the school.
The circumstances surrounding the attack are being investigated, while police teams are working to locate the accused.
Girl shifted to Bengaluru after lengthy surgeries
Following the attack, the victim was initially taken to a government hospital in Anantapur, where she underwent an operation lasting nearly eight hours.
Considering the seriousness of her condition, she was subsequently shifted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru through a green corridor to ensure faster transportation.
At the Bengaluru hospital, the medical team performed emergency surgery that lasted nearly 12 hours. She was later moved to the intensive care unit, where she continues to receive treatment.
Lokesh said the next 48 hours would be particularly important and urged people to support the family through prayers. The state government has assured strict action against the accused and continued support for the students affected by the incident.