Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad (SHP)

Hyderabad, Dec 6: Four men accused of raping and killing a young veterinarian in Telangana were shot dead by cops earlier this morning when they tried to escape from the crime scene where they were taken for reconstruction as part of investigations. However, the killing of the four accused in the rape-murder case attracted divided views from the public.

The 26-year-old woman was raped, killed and then set on fire on November 27 by four men at a toll booth near Hyderabad. Her body, badly burnt, was found the next day, 50 km from Hyderabad. The four accused - Mohammed Arif (26), Jollu Shiva (20), Jollu Naveen (20) and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu (20) were arrested two days later.

As per the police, the accused were taken to the scene of the crime in the early hours of Friday at 3 am for reconstructing the incident. However, the officials stated that the accused tried to escape leading to their encounter.

Reacting to the encounter, the victim's father said, "It has been 10 days to the day my daughter died. I express my gratitude to the police and the government for this. My daughter's soul must be at peace now."

Nirbhaya's family also hailed the act and backed the police by saying, "Police has done a great job."

Veteran actor, Rishi Kapoor also commented on the encounter and wrote, "Bravo Telangana Police. My congratulations!"

Badminton player Saina Nehwal echoed the sentiments, "Great work #hyderabadpolice ..we salute u."

However, Congress's Karti Chidambaram had a different outlook on the encounter. In his official Twitter handle, Karti wrote, "Rape is a heinous crime. It must be dealt with strictly under the provisions of law. While I hold no brief for the alleged perpetrators of this dastardly act, 'encounter' killings are a blot to our system. While I understand the urge for instant justice, this is not the way."

Senior lawyers Vrinda Grover and Karuna Nundy expressed disappointment and deemed the encounter 'unacceptable'. Vrinda Grover in her Facebook post said, "This is unacceptable. SAY NO TO TRIGGER TRACK INJUSTICE! This is absolutely unacceptable. So all that the state will do in the name of ensuring that women live as equal and free citizens is to add to its arsenal of unlimited arbitrary violence!"

While Karuna Nundy tweeted, "Now nobody will ever know if the four men killed by the police were innocent men, arrested fast to show action. And whether four of the most brutal rapists roam free, to rape and kill more women."