Hyderabad, Nov 2: Telugu actor Manchu Manoj has expressed profound shock and concern over the brutal attack at a Raptadu school, where two Class 10 girls were assaulted by a man wielding a chainsaw.
The incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage, prompted Manoj to share his anguish on Instagram.
“As a father, the attack at Raptadu school has left me deeply shaken. Praying to God for both girls’ speedy and complete recovery, and strength for their families,” he wrote. Manoj lauded the extraordinary courage of the girl who intervened to protect her friend, stating she deserves immense respect. He also acknowledged the swift medical response, thanking doctors, the Andhra Pradesh government, police, and medical teams for facilitating a ‘green corridor’ for advanced treatment.
The actor was relieved to learn that 20 mental health counselors have been deployed for the affected students and urged sustained support for every child, teacher, and family impacted by this trauma. Manoj emphasized that this incident is not isolated, but a symptom of a larger societal issue. “When women are objectified and disrespected, even casually, even for fun, inside homes and in society, it shapes dangerous attitudes,” he asserted, calling for consequences for harassment and violence, and a firm challenge to everyday disrespect.
He concluded by stressing, “Respect for women begins at home. Our children are watching. The society we want starts with how we treat women at home and in our communities. Let us build that safer society together.” The attack, which occurred at Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu, Anantapur district, left one girl with severe injuries to her face, head, throat, neck, and abdomen, with her right hand nearly severed. The other girl was also seriously injured while attempting to intervene. Both are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital.