States » SouthPosted at: Nov 2 2026 6:23PM


AP: Chainsaw victim Gopika recovering in Manipal hospital: Minister Lokesh

Vijayawada, Nov 2 (UNI) Class X student M Gopika who was critically injured when a youth spurned in love, hacked her with a chainsaw in her classroom in Andhra Pradesh last week, has started responding to treatment at a private hospital in Bangalore.
The youth Hemanth had allegedly harassed the 14-year-old Gopika after she rejected his proposals and attacked her in the classroom at ZP high School at Raptadu village in Anantapur district last Saturday in the presence of the teacher and other students.
Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday announced that the victim, who is battling for life at Manipal hospital in Bangalore, is responding to treatment. “Good news on the recovering child in Manipal hospital. The panel of doctors has noted steady progress. She is conscious and has been visited by her mother. As her condition continues to improve, doctors plan to remove ventilator support later this evening. We continue to pray for her steady recovery,” Lokesh said in a post on ‘X’ on Monday. The Minister earlier visited the girl in hospital.
Minister Lokesh also appreciated the bravery of another girl student Lakshmi who tried to rescue Gopika and suffered injuries. Lokesh said: “Today both girls are in hospital. Lakshmi is being treated for her injuries. Her actions remind us what friendship and bravery really mean. Our government stands firmly with both families. We will make sure they get the best possible medical care. Steps will be taken to ensure no child in Andhra Pradesh should ever feel unsafe in a classroom.”
“When a man walked into their classroom with a chainsaw, Lakshmi didn't run. She stepped forward and tried to shield her friend, and was seriously injured herself. She could have saved herself, but she chose to stand by her friend,” Lokesh noted.
Significantly, the accused Hemanth was critically injured in a police encounter in a forest area on Sunday night after he resisted arrest and attacked a policeman with a knife. He is undergoing treatment in the GGH where the doctors advised amputation of one of his legs which was struck by bullets.
In an interesting twist, a group of lawyers approached the AP High Court seeking a probe into the encounter. They filed a petition on Monday which the court has admitted.
Minister for Health Satya Kumar Yadav announced that the government today released Rs 2 lakh for the medical expenses of the victim Gopika. Moreover, the Minister personally handed over Rs 1 lakh financial assistance to her parents.
The Minister thanked and appreciated Manipal hospital doctors Mayur Shetti, Lalchand, Shijju, Koushik and Ravikiran for saving Gopika and providing the best of care.
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Tags: #AP: Chainsaw victim Gopika recovering in Manipal hospital: Minister Lokesh
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