Several police personnel sustained injuries in the attack, when they tried to overpower him,” the official said.ALSO READ | Andhra chainsaw attacker was teen victim’s uncle, harassed her in name of ‘love’: PoliceThe police then opened fire in self-defence to prevent his escape and bring him under control. “The police fired six rounds at him, leaving him seriously injured,” the official said, adding that he was taken to a hospital for treatment. His condition was reported to be serious.Videos showing Hemanth being carried to the hospital in a semi-conscious state have since circulated on social media.Girl's condition critical, next 48 hours crucial: Nara LokeshAndhra Pradesh education and IT minister Nara Lokesh said the condition of the injured girl, who is undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru, remained critical.Lokesh visited the hospital, met the girl's family and spoke to doctors to review her condition and the treatment being provided. “The next 48 hours will be critical,” he told reporters, appealing to people across the state to pray for her recovery.ALSO READ | Andhra minister Nara Lokesh shares update on chainsaw attack victim, says girl stable after bleeding controlledChainsaw attack at Rapthadu school: What happenedThe attack took place around 10.30am on Saturday when Hemanth allegedly entered the school premises carrying a chainsaw and attacked the student.

Another girl, who tried to intervene, was also injured.The main victim was initially taken to Anantapur Government General Hospital, where doctors worked for nearly eight hours to stabilise her condition.A doctor at the hospital told reporters that the girl's right hand had suffered a deep cut near the shoulder, exposing the joint, while her face had sustained severe injuries. She required multiple surgeries, the doctor said.She was subsequently shifted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru, where doctors performed a surgery lasting nearly 12 hours before moving her to the intensive care unit (ICU), Lokesh said.ALSO READ | Ram Gopal Varma defends violence in films amid scrutiny after Andhra Pradesh chainsaw attack; internet says cinema has responsibilityAssuring the family of full government support, Lokesh described the incident as extremely unfortunate and said it should not be politicised.He said providing the girl with medical care, ensuring her continued treatment and supporting her rehabilitation would be both the government's collective responsibility and his personal responsibility.

He also acknowledged the need to strengthen existing safety measures and procedures in the wake of the attack.Lokesh also issued a warning against harassment and indecent behaviour towards women, saying those found making inappropriate remarks or behaving indecently towards women in Andhra Pradesh would face strict consequences.He assured that everyone responsible for the attack would face action and that no one involved would be spared.Deep DiveFollow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs.

The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments.

Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available.

Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More