In an early morning shocker, the four accused, arrested in connection with the rape-and-murder of a 26-year-old woman veterinarian in Hyderabad, were killed in police firing early morning on Friday.

According to reports, the four men tried to flee when they were brought to the crime scene to recreate the crime on Friday morning after which the police resorted to firing.

"The four accused were killed in an encounter with the police," Cyberabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar 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.

"They fired upon the police team and we retaliated in self-defence. Two of our men are also injured in the incident," sources 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 has ordered setting up of a fast track court to expedite the trial.

Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Delhi, took to Twitter to congratulate Hyderabad Police over the early morning development.

"Congratulations to Hyderabad police," DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav tweeted.