Raptadu attack accused faces threat of losing both legs

ANANTAPUR

The accused in the sensational Raptadu school attack case is facing the possibility of amputation of both legs after sustaining multiple bullet injuries in a police encounter near the Atmakur forest area on Sunday evening.

Doctors at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Anantapur said three bullets that struck his lower limbs had caused severe damage, putting both legs at risk. His condition is stated to be critical, and doctors are closely monitoring his condition before deciding on the further course of treatment.

The accused, identified as Hemanth, 21, was brought to the hospital around 8.30 pm and shifted to the emergency operation theatre. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds after police fired six rounds during an operation to apprehend him.

According to Anantapur SP P Jagadeesh, police teams tracked Hemanth to the outskirts of the Atmakur forest following an intensive manhunt. When personnel approached him, he allegedly resisted arrest, pelted stones and attempted to attack them with a knife, injuring circle inspector Venkateswarulu. Police said they first fired warning shots before opening fire in self-defence.

The encounter came barely a day after Hemanth allegedly stormed a classroom at the Raptadu Zilla Parishad High School with a chainsaw and brutally attacked Class 10 student Gopika. Her classmate Lakshmi was also injured while attempting to protect her.

The incident triggered widespread outrage, with the police launching a massive manhunt involving several special teams. The accused's medical condition will determine when investigators can question him about the chilling classroom attack.