Amid shock and outrage across the country over the rape and murder of a young woman in Hyderabad, the police on early Friday morning killed all the four accused in the case in Hyderabad.

Police had taken the four to Chattapally, where they had allegedly burnt the woman’s body after raping her, for crime reconstruction in the wee hours of Friday. One of the accused then signalled the rest to use the opportunity and make escape. When they were trying to flee, the police tried to stop them, but when they attacked the policemen, the latter had to open fire, police officials told news agencies.

The 27-year-old veterinarian went missing from a road toll plaza near Hyderabad on the night of November 27. Her burnt body was found the next day. On November 29, police had arrested four people on charges of abduction, rape and murder.

The crime had led to outrage across the country, even as more cases of sexual assault made headlines. The Telangana government had set up a fast-tract court for the trial in the case, while several parliamentarians had demanded stricter action against the accused including death penalty on conviction.

The encounter killing comes a day after a gang-rape victim in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh was set on fire by one of the accused who had been out on bail. The victim suffered 90 percent burns and was rushed to Delhi for treatment.