Raptad chainsaw attack victim’s condition improving, health minister tells AP

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Monday (November 9, 2026) said the health condition of M. Gopika, who was injured in a chainsaw attack by a youth at Raptad ZPHS, has further improved. The girl is currently undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru.

In an official statement on Gopika’s health condition, the minister said here that the girl has been shifted to the general ward and the medical team has again changed the bandages on her wound. “Bandage was changed for the injuries on her head, neck, face, arms and back. The wounds are healing well. Gopika has responded positively to the treatment,” the minister said.

Mr. Satya Kumar Yadav further said that the splint on her left arm has been removed allowing better movement of the limb. Gopika feels chest pain while coughing and is treated with medicine.

As oral food intake is currently low, Gopika is fed through a nasogastric tube. The minister said that doctors are urging the girl to start consuming food orally.

Earlier in the day, Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh, who was monitoring the girl’s health, wrote on X: “The plastic surgery team completed the wound removal and sutures today without complications. Her wounds are healing well and she is tolerating the procedure very well. An encouraging step forward – the team removed the pain strap on her left arm so she can start moving her arm, she is stable and feeding again! move from PICU to specialist care and keep her in our prayers.”

Published – 09 Nov 2026 23:47 IST