BSP Chief Mayawati lauded the Hyderabad police for the killing of accused in the Hyderabad rape and murder case. (File Photo)

BSP Chief Mayawati has praised the Hyderabad police for its "strong action" against the four accused in the Hyderabad rape-murder case.

Reacting on the killing of the four persons, Mayawati said action against the rape accused was praise-worthy and asked the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Police to learn from their Hyderabad colleagues.

"Crimes against women are on the rise in Uttar Pradesh, but the state government is sleeping. UP and Delhi Police should take inspiration from Hyderabad Police, but unfortunately here criminals are treated as state gueststhere is jungle raj in UP right now," Mayawati said.

The four accused in the rape-and-murder case of a 26-year-old woman veterinarian were killed in an exchange of fire with police on Friday morning, police have said.

The incident took place around 6.30 am 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, a senior police official said.

"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 PTI.

Two policemen were also injured, he said.

The four men, all lorry workers, aged between 20 and 24, were arrested on November 29 for raping and killing the woman by smothering her and later burning her body. They were remanded to 7 days' judicial custody.

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 special court (fast track) to expedite the trial.