Hyderabad rape accused killed in ‘encounter’

Hyderabad, Dec 6
The four accused in the Hyderabad rape and murder case were killed in retaliation to an attack on the police party when they were brought at the crime spot for evidence examination, the Hyderabad police have said.
The accused killed in the encounter are Md Arif (26), the lorry driver and Jollu Naveen, Jollu Shiva and Ch Chennakeshavulu, all 20 years of age.
Two accused were misleading the probe...they snatched weapons and fired at the police team who had taken them for evidence examination, police briefed media on Friday.
"Two of the four snatched our weapons and attacked the police party with stones and sticks which led to police issuing a warning. They were asked to surrender but they didn't. In retaliation, all four died due to bullet injuries," said Cyberabad Commissioner VC Sajjanar.
"Law has done its duty," the Cyberabad Commissioner said on questions being raised on encounter by the police.
Police added that two cops also suffered head injuries in the encounter. He, however, clarified that the police officials did not suffer any bullet injury. He added that the encounter lasted 45 minutes - 5.45 am to 6.15 am.
The four accused arrested in connection with the rape-and-murder of a 26-year-old woman veterinarian near here last month were killed in an alleged encounter with the police Friday morning.
The four men, all lorry workers, aged between 20 and 24, were arrested on November 29 for allegedly raping and killing the woman by smothering her and later burning her body. They were remanded to 7 days' judicial custody.
They were taken to the crime scene Friday morning by the police as part of the investigation, a source said.
The gang rape-and-murder triggered a Nation-wide outrage with the public and lawmakers demanding speedy punishment to the perpetrators. The State Government had ordered setting up of a fast track Court to expedite the trial.