Hyderabad: Onlookers gather near the “encounter” site, where four accused in the rape-and-murder case of a 27-year-old woman veterinarian were shot dead by police. (PTI) Hyderabad: Onlookers gather near the “encounter” site, where four accused in the rape-and-murder case of a 27-year-old woman veterinarian were shot dead by police. (PTI)

The Telangana High Court on Friday directed the state government to preserve the bodies of four accused in the rape and murder of a 27-year-old veterinarian till 8.00 pm on December 9. The High Court gave the order on a representation received in the office of the Chief Justice, requesting judicial intervention into the incident, alleging it was an extrajudicial killing.

Earlier today, the Telangana Police said its personnel resorted to “retaliatory” firing after two of the accused in the rape and murder of a woman veterinarian opened fire at police after snatching weapons from them this morning. Police also said that snatched weapons were in “unlocked” position.

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Police said the four were taken to Chatanapally— where they had burnt the woman’s body — for crime reconstruction when they allegedly tried to escape by attacking the cops. “All this happened within 5 or 10 minutes after the four accused were brought to the spot,” Cyberabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar told. Earlier today, the National Human Rights Commission also ordered an inquiry into the incident.

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