Attack on A.P. schoolgirl sparks demands for stronger security in government schools

The brutal attack on a Class X student at a Zilla Parishad High School in Rapthadu mandal of Anantapur district on Saturday morning has drawn widespread condemnation from teachers’ and student organisations. The Andhra Pradesh Teachers Federation (APTF), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students’ Federation (AISF) have demanded stringent action against the accused and stronger security measures in government schools across the State.

Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja expressed concern over the attack. She spoke to the victim’s mother and assured her of all possible support from the government. The government would take stern action against the accused, she said in a statement.

In a statement, APTF State president G. Hrudaya Raju, general secretary S. Chiranjeevi and honorary president D. Eswara Rao strongly condemned the incident in which an assailant allegedly entered a classroom and attacked a girl student with a chainsaw.

Expressing concern over the growing violent tendencies among youth, they stressed the need to inculcate compassion, respect for women, patriotism, discipline and moral values among young people. They called upon the government and teachers to work together to strengthen value-based education programmes. They also urged students to remain courageous and appealed to the government to extend all possible support to the victim’s family.

The SFI Andhra Pradesh State Committee also condemned the attack and demanded stringent punishment for the accused, identified as Hemanth. SFI State president P. Ramamohan and secretary K. Prasanna Kumar said the girl student was seriously injured in the attack. Another student, Lakshmi, also sustained serious injuries when she tried to intervene and prevent the assault on her classmate.

Describing the incident as shocking and inhuman, the SFI leaders expressed concern over the lack of adequate security in government schools. They questioned how an outsider could enter a classroom with a dangerous weapon and attack students while lessons were in progress. Holding the Education Department accountable for the security lapses, they demanded that the State government and Education Minister Nara Lokesh take responsibility. They also sought better medical treatment for both the injured students, financial and other assistance to their families, and a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

AISF State vice-president M. Sai Kumar also condemned the attack, saying it had exposed serious security deficiencies in government schools. He alleged that several schools across the State lacked proper compound walls and gates, while some did not even have basic entry-control facilities. However, he said, constructing boundary walls and installing gates alone would not ensure safety without continuous monitoring of school premises.

He demanded the appointment of watchmen in every government school, with particular attention to the safety of girl students. He also urged the Education Minister to review security arrangements in all government schools and take immediate corrective measures.