Andhra chainsaw attacker's leg amputated days after being shot by cops in encounter
The left leg of Hemanth, the accused in the Anantapur school chainsaw attack case in Andhra Pradesh, was amputated after blood vessels in the limb failed, causing blood circulation to stop, according to the latest medical update.
Doctors are also concerned about restricted blood flow to his right leg, with his overall condition reportedly critical. He continues to receive treatment at the Anantapur Government General Hospital (GGH).
Hemanth, 21, sustained multiple bullet injuries to his legs after police opened fire while attempting to arrest him near the Atmakur forest area after the attack.
He had allegedly resisted arrest and attacked a police officer with a knife, injuring a Circle Inspector. Police said they fired warning shots before shooting him in the legs to immobilise him.
Following the encounter, Hemanth was shifted to Anantapur GGH, where doctors initially performed surgery to clean and stitch his wounds. His injuries extended from the thighs to the feet.
Medical examinations subsequently revealed concerns over blood circulation in both legs, prompting doctors to conduct further assessments to determine the extent of the vascular damage and the possibility of saving the affected limbs.
On November 2, hospital superintendent D Malleshwari said Hemanth was conscious, alert and responding to doctors, with his vital parameters remaining normal.
At the time, doctors had expressed particular concern over reduced blood supply to his right leg and planned a CT angiogram to identify whether the problem was caused by compression of blood vessels or a blood clot.
Doctors had also indicated that they would examine both legs in the operation theatre and remove damaged tissue, if necessary, to prevent complications such as gangrene.
While the left leg had initially appeared to be in relatively better condition, its blood vessels reportedly failed subsequently, eventually necessitating amputation.
The latest development marks a significant deterioration from the earlier medical assessment, when doctors had said there was no immediate threat to Hemanth's life.
He remains under close medical observation, with doctors monitoring his condition and the circulation in his remaining leg.HORROR AT ANANTPUR SCHOOL
Hemanth was arrested in connection with the October 31 attack at a Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu, Anantapur district, where he allegedly entered a classroom armed with an electric chainsaw and attacked two Class 10 students.
One girl suffered critical injuries to her face, head and neck, besides multiple fractures and severe damage to her right hand. She was subsequently shifted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru for advanced treatment through a green corridor.
The second student sustained injuries while attempting to protect her classmate. She is undergoing treatment and was earlier reported to be stable and recovering well.
The attack triggered widespread outrage, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and other political leaders condemning the incident and assuring the victims' families of government support.
Police have continued their investigation into the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
With Hemanth's left leg now amputated and concerns persisting over his right leg, his medical condition remains a matter of serious concern.
Doctors are expected to continue monitoring him closely, while further updates on his recovery and the investigation are awaited.- Ends
