In the early hours of Friday, 6th December, all four men accused in the rape and murder of a female veterinarian in Hyderabad, were killed, in what was reported as an encounter with the police. According to this report, “as per initial reports, the four accused were shot after they had been taken to the spot on NH-44 near Hyderabad for recreation of the crime scene and they tried to escape.”
Cyberabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has confirmed this series of events, saying the “accused were killed in encounter in wee hours“. He also mentioned that the incident took place between 3 am and 6 am.
According to the police, the accused had been taken to the scene of the crime at 3 am for reconstruction, which was a part of the ongoing investigations. The police along with the accused was around 60 kms from Hyderabad; at the spot where the charred body of the woman vet was found.
As per the police’s account of events, one of the accused signalled to the other, in what seemed to be an attempt to escape. Additional reports suggest that two of the accused attacked the cops and tried to grab their weapons. Following this, the cops took action and fired at the men.
A deputy commissioner of police in Hyderabad, Prakash Reddy, stated: “They were killed in the crossfire. They tried to snatch weapons from the guards but were shot dead,” “We called an ambulance but they died before any medical help could reach them.”
The four men were arrested on 29th November, and the investigation was in full swing, as the Telangana government has ordered a fast-track court to be set up to try the case.
Today’s shocking turn of events comes days after the four men allegedly raped and murdered the woman on 28th November, setting her body on fire after the heinous crime was committed. All four accused were truck-drivers and cleaners and had reportedly watched as the 27-year-old woman parked her bike near a toll-booth, on a busy highway. While she was at an appointment, they allegedly deflated her scooter tyre and waited for her. Upon her return, they promised to help her get the scooter fixed, but instead, they reportedly lured her into a trap, ultimately, raping and killing her.
The country has been in a state of shock following this incident, with cries for justice ringing in the ears of every Indian. How the nation will respond to today’s events remains to be seen.
According to news reports, the victim’s family said, “We were shocked when we heard about it in the morning but we are also happy that justice has been served so soon. We are happy the culprits got punished.”