'Matter Of Concern': NHRC Orders Probe Into Killing Of Rape Accused In Telangana

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday took cognisance of the killing of four men accused of raping and murdering a woman veterinarian in Hyderabad and ordered an inquiry into the police encounter.

The apex human rights body said the encounter early morning on Friday is a matter of concern.

"The Commission is of the opinion that this matter is required to be probed very carefully.  Accordingly, it has asked its Director General (Investigation) to immediately send a team for fact-finding on the spot investigation into the matter," the NHRC said in a statement.

"The incident which has taken place now clearly indicates that the police personnel were not properly alert and prepared for any untoward activity by the accused on the spot, which resulted into death of all four," it added.

All four accused in the gang-rape and murder of a 26-year-old female veterinarian were killed in an encounter with police Friday morning, the Cyberabad police said.

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The accused were killed in crossfire between 3am-6am on Friday, Cyberabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar said.

A senior police officer said the incident took place when the accused were taken to the site of the offence for the reconstruction of the scene of the crime as part of the investigation.

"They (accused) snatched weapons from police and fired on police and tried to escape... police fired in retaliation in which the four accused died," a senior police official told news agency PTI.

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Two policemen were also injured, he said.

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 in remanded to 7 days' judicial custody.

(With PTI Inputs)