Raptadu chainsaw attack victim M. Gopika shows steady health recovery

The health condition of M. Gopika, who suffered severe injuries in a chainsaw attack by a youth at Raptadu ZPHS, is showing clear improvement while she undergoes treatment at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru.

Medical Progress

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav stated in an official update on Monday, November 9, 2026, that the young patient has been shifted from the paediatric intensive care unit to a general ward. Medical staff recently changed the dressings on her injuries located on her head, neck, face, arms, and back, confirming that the wounds are healing well and she is responding positively to medical care. Doctors have also removed the splint or sling on her left arm to allow for better movement of the limb.

Treatment Details

While her overall condition remains stable, Gopika experiences chest pain when coughing, which doctors are managing through medication. Because her oral food intake is currently low, she is being fed using a nasogastric tube while the medical team encourages her to start consuming food normally by mouth. HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, who has been closely monitoring her recovery, noted that a plastic surgery team successfully completed wound debridement and suture adjustments without any complications.

Context

Attacks in school settings and the subsequent specialized medical interventions required for severe trauma highlight the critical role of prompt emergency care and advanced surgical support. Recovery from multiple physical injuries often involves a careful transition from intensive care units to general wards, supported by dedicated nutritional and pain management protocols.