Hyderabad: All the four accused in the rape and murder of a woman veterinarian were killed in an encounter with Telangana Police early on Friday (December 6), Cyberabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed.

According to the police, all the four were being taken to the scene of the crime, where the charred body of the doctor was found, when they attempted to escape and tried to snatch their weapons before they were shot.

"The accused Mohammed Arif, Naveen, Shiva and Chennakeshavulu were killed in a police encounter at Chatanpally, Shadnagar today (December 6) in the wee hours, between 3 am and 6 am. I have reached the spot and further details will be revealed," Cyberabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar said.

Speaking to reporters, the veterinary doctor's father said, "The four accused have been killed ten days after my daughter died. I express my gratitude towards the police and the government for this. My daughter's soul must be at peace now."

While it has been ten days since the death of the veterinary doctor, Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao has not paid any visit to the victim's family. However, it is reportedly said that he would be meeting the victim's family members today (December 6).

Telangana BJP chief spokesperson K Krishna Saagar Rao said, "The incident of the encounter is still premature to react. The Telangana DGP should make an official statement outlining the entire incident. As a responsible national party, BJP will react after official police statement."

"Disha gang rape and murder is a horrendous crime, BJP has condemned it, and as a responsible opposition party we have also pressured the Telangana state government to act and deliver justice," he further said. 

Another BJP leader, Uma Bharathi took to Twitter and hailed the Telangana Police. 

Taking to Twitter, Uma Bharathi said in Hindi, "Grief of the family whose daughter passed away after suffering mercilessly will never be alleviated, but that sister's (rape victim) soul will get peace and the fear among other girls of India will be lessened. Jai Telangana Police."

Speaking to reporters, Nirbhaya's mother said, "I am extremely happy with this punishment. Police have done a great job and I demand that no action should be taken against the police personnel. I have been running from pillar to post for the last 7 years to get justice in Nirbhaya case. I appeal to the justice system of this country and the government, that Nirbhaya's culprits must be hanged to death, at the earliest."

The four accused were arrested and were in judicial custody and lodged in high-security cells at Cherlapally Central Jail in Hyderabad.

The veterinarian was brutally raped and killed by the accused who burned her body in Shamshabad area on November 27. Her charred body was recovered on November 28.