:2019 Hyderabad gang rape and murder

File:(A) Rape rates per 100000 population 2010-2012, world.jpg

{{Main|Rape in India}}

Rape is the fourth most common crime against women in India.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=68xTBT1-H4IC |title=The History of Doing: An Illustrated Account of Movements for Women's Rights and Feminism in India 1800-1990 |first=Radha |last=Kumar |date=8 December 1997 |publisher=Zubaan |via=Google Books |isbn=9788185107769 }}{{citation |contribution=Chapter 5: Crime against women |title=Crime in India 2012 Statistics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116122212/http://ncrb.nic.in/CD-CII2012/cii-2012/Chapter%205.pdf |archive-date=16 January 2016 |url =http://ncrb.nic.in/CD-CII2012/cii-2012/Chapter%205.pdf |page=81 |publisher=National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India }}

India has been characterised as one of the "countries with the lowest per capita rates of rape".{{citation |last1=Humphrey |first1=John A. |last2=Schmalleger |first2=Frank |contribution=Mental illness, addictive behaviors, and sexual deviance |editor1-last=Humphrey |editor1-first=John A. |editor2-last=Schmalleger |editor2-first=Frank |title=Deviant behavior |page=252 |publisher=Jones & Bartlett Learning |location=Sudbury, Massachusetts |year=2012 |edition=2nd |isbn=9780763797737 |postscript=.}}{{cite book |title=Crime and Crime Control: A Global View: A Global View |quote=Overall, however, rape rates are still lower than most other countries. |page=74 |author=Gregg Barak |publisher=ABC-CLIO}} Many rapes go unreported in various countries including India.{{cite book |author=United Nations |title=African Women's Report 2009: Measuring Gender Inequality in Africa - Experiences and Lessons from the African Gender and Development Index |year=2009 |publisher=United Nations Publications |isbn=978-92-1-054362-0 |pages=68–}}{{cite book |author=Colonel Y Udaya Chandar |title=The Ailing India |date=23 September 2016 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=978-1-945926-26-6 |pages=337}} The willingness to report rape has increased in recent years, after several incidents of rape received widespread media attention and triggered public protest.{{cite book |author=Siuli Sarkar |title=Gender Disparity in India: Unheard Whimpers |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qwS7DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA283 |date=2016-06-17 |publisher=PHI Learning |pages=283 |isbn=9788120352513}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=daERDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT105 |author=Tamsin Bradley |title=Women and Violence in India: Gender, Oppression and the Politics of Neoliberalism |page=105 |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=9781786721181 |date=2017-02-28}}{{cite book |title=Crime, Criminal Justice, and the Evolving Science of Criminology in South Asia: India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh |quote=police-recorded rape rate in India has shown a sharp increasing trend in recent years against the declining trend of all other violent and property crimes. |page=96 |author=Shahid M. Shahidullah |publisher=Springer |year=2017}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9756318/Protests-grow-over-gang-rape-of-Indian-woman.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219231820/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9756318/Protests-grow-over-gang-rape-of-Indian-woman.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 December 2012 |title=Protests grow over gang rape of Indian woman (video) |work= The Telegraph |access-date=21 December 2012 |location=London |date=19 December 2012}}{{cite news |title=Perceived government inaction over rape and murder of two teenage girls sparks public anger |url=http://www.indiasnews.net/index.php/sid/222467201/scat/701ee96610c884a6/ht/Perceived-government-inaction-over-rape-and-murder-of-two-teenage-girls-sparks-public-anger |date=31 May 2014 |work=India'sNews.Net |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531164140/http://www.indiasnews.net/index.php/sid/222467201/scat/701ee96610c884a6/ht/Perceived-government-inaction-over-rape-and-murder-of-two-teenage-girls-sparks-public-anger |archive-date=31 May 2014 |url-status=dead }} Most notably, the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder led the Government of India to reform its penal code for crimes of rape and sexual assault.{{cite news |title=The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 |url=http://indiacode.nic.in/acts-in-pdf/132013.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107103627/http://indiacode.nic.in/acts-in-pdf/132013.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-11-07 |work=The Gazette of India |publisher=Government of India |date=2013 }}

{{Infobox person

| name = Disha

| honorific_suffix = (Name given by police to protect identity)

| image =

| image_upright =

| landscape =

| alt =

| caption =

| native_name =

| native_name_lang =

| birth_name =

| birth_date = 1994

| death_date = 27 November {{Death year and age|2019|1993}}

| death_place = Shamshabad, Hyderabad, India

| death_cause = Murder (asphyxiation)

| body_discovered = Under a bridge in Shadnagar

| resting_place =

| monuments =

| nationality = Indian

| other_names =

| education =

| alma_mater =

| occupation = Veterinarian

| awards =

}}

The victim had pursued a degree in a veterinary college in Rajendranagar mandal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/stringent-action-against-accused-vows-talasani-srinivas-yadav-585804|title=Stringent action against accused, vows Talasani Srinivas Yadav|date=30 November 2019|website=www.thehansindia.com|language=en|access-date=30 November 2019}} She was a resident of Shamshabad{{cite news|last1=Niranjankumar|first1=Nivedita|date=30 November 2019|title=Twitter Users Give Communal Hue To Hyderabad Vet's Gang Rape And Murder|language=en|work=boomlive.in|url=https://www.boomlive.in/fake-news/twitter-users-give-communal-hue-to-hyderabad-vets-gang-rape-and-murder-6171|access-date=3 December 2019}} and was working as a veterinary assistant surgeon at the state-run hospital at Kollur village.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/hyderabad-vet-rape-case-4-remanded-to-judicial-custody-781451.html|title=Hyderabad vet rape case: 4 remanded to judicial custody|date=1 December 2019|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=1 December 2019}} As Indian laws do not permit the use of victim's real name in such cases; pseudonyms were being used by various media houses and police officials including "Disha" and "Hyderabad Nirbhaya" which was in reference to the 2012 Delhi Gang rape and murder case.

The local police convinced the victim's family to allow the use of a fictional name, Disha, in place of the victim's true name in media reporting.{{cite news |last1=Deshpande |first1=Abhinay |date=3 December 2019 |title=Nizamabad youth held for vulgar posts about Hyderabad vet on Facebook |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/nizamabad-youth-held-for-vulgar-fb-posts-about-disha/article30149301.ece |access-date=3 December 2019 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN}} They also suggested using the hashtag #JusticeForDisha for social media posts instead of using the real name. Indian laws prohibit naming rape victims, and violations are subject to legal penalties.{{cite news |last1=Pavan |first1=P. |date=1 December 2019 |title=Hyderabad rape and murder case: Cops change victim's name to 'Disha' |url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/hyderabad-rape-and-murder-case-cops-change-victims-name-to-disha/articleshow/72321118.cms |access-date=1 December 2019 |work=Pune Mirror |publisher=Mumbai Mirror |language=en}} On 3 December, a man from Nizamabad district was arrested by the Cyberabad Police, after a cyber crime case was filed against him, for posting pictures and spreading derogatory posts about the victim.{{cite news |date=3 December 2019 |title=Hyderabad: Man arrested for objectionable Facebook posts on rape victim |url=https://telanganatoday.com/hyderabad-man-arrested-for-objectionable-facebook-posts-on-rape-victim |access-date=3 December 2019 |work=Telangana Today}}

According to the Telangana Police Department remand report, the victim had parked her scooter near Tondupally toll plaza, where the accused ones saw her, two lorry drivers and their assistants, who had been drinking whiskey before allegedly planning the crime.{{cite news|url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/hyderabad-veterinary-doctor-gang-rape-murder-case-all-four-arrested-accused-are-in-20s/articleshow/72298844.cms|title=Hyderabad veterinary doctor gang rape, murder case: All four arrested accused are in 20s|last1=Pavan|first1=P.|date=29 November 2019|work=Pune Mirror|access-date=1 December 2019|agency=Mumbai Mirror|language=en}}

According to the remand report, on 27 November 2019 at around 6:15 p.m., after parking the scooter, the victim took a taxi to a dermatologist's office in Hyderabad. The suspects allegedly deflated her scooter's tire in her absence.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/brutal-rape-and-murder-of-veterinary-doctor-shakes-the-conscience-of-telangana/article30124231.ece|title=Brutal rape and murder of veterinary doctor shakes the conscience of Telangana|last=Kurmanath|first=K. V.|website=Hindu Business Line|date=30 November 2019 |language=en|access-date=1 December 2019}} After returning at around 9:15 p.m., she noticed the flat tyre and made a call to her sister. The accused told police they offered to help her, then ambushed her. Three of the suspects pushed her into bushes near the toll gate and turned off her phone. She continued screaming for help, so the men poured whiskey into her mouth in an attempt to silence her. The four men removed her clothes and took turns sexually assaulting her until she started bleeding and lost consciousness. When she regained consciousness, they smothered her,{{cite news |title=Killers gained Hyderabad veterinary doctor's confidence before murdering her? |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2019/nov/29/killers-gained-hyderabad-veterinary-doctors-confidence-before-murdering-her-2068802.html |access-date=9 December 2019 |work=The New Indian Express |date=29 November 2019}} wrapped the corpse in a blanket, transported it in their truck 27 km to a location near the Shadnagar interchange on the Hyderabad Outer Ring road, and at approximately 2:30 a.m. burnt it under a bridge using diesel and petrol purchased for the purpose.{{Cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/mundo/2019/11/30/india-cuatro-camioneros-violan-asesinan-y-queman-el-cuerpo-de-veterinaria-de-27-anos-feminicidio-violencia-contra-la-mujer-rddr/|title=Cuatro camioneros violan, asesinan y queman el cuerpo de veterinaria de 27 años|date=30 November 2019|website=larepublica.pe|language=es|access-date=1 December 2019}}{{cite news |title="They Poured Whiskey Into Her Mouth To...": Cops On Telangana Rape, Murder |url=https://www.ndtv.com/telangana-news/telangana-news-hyderabad-rape-case-accused-forced-woman-to-have-whiskey-before-raping-her-2141517 |access-date=1 December 2019 |work=NDTV.com}}

The police arrested the four accused based on the evidence gathered from CCTV cameras, an eyewitness, and the victim's mobile phone.{{cite news |title=4 rapists-killers of Hyd vet caught on toll cameras, held |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/page1/4-rapists-killers-of-hyd-vet-caught-on-toll-cameras--held.html |access-date=2 December 2019 |work=The Pioneer |language=en}} It was reported that they were drunk during the rape and murder.{{cite news |last1=Pandey |first1=Ashish |title=Telangana doctor was forced to consume liquor-laced cold drink: Police sources |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/telangana-doctor-was-forced-to-consume-liquor-laced-cold-drink-police-sources-1623949-2019-11-30 |access-date=9 December 2019 |work=India Today |date=30 November 2019 |language=en}}

The woman's charred corpse was found under Chatanpally Bridge in Shadnagar located {{convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the toll booth where she was abducted.{{cite news |title=We are shocked Two deaths in Hyderabad's Shamshabad area leave locals in fear |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/we-are-shocked-two-deaths-hyderabads-shamshabad-area-leave-locals-fear-113211 |access-date=9 December 2019 |work=thenewsminute.com}} Her scooter was found at a distance of {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the place where her body was found. The police found her clothes, handbag, footwear and a liquor bottle near the toll booth.{{cite news |title=Sent From One Police Station To Another, Says Telangana Vet's Family |url=https://www.ndtv.com/telangana-news/sent-from-one-police-station-to-another-says-telangana-vets-family-2141082 |access-date=1 December 2019 |work=NDTV.com}} 70% of the body was covered with burns. A locket of Ganesha found on the charred corpse helped her family to identify the victim. The body was handed over to the family after a postmortem.

The executive magistrate sent the four accused into custody for 14 days to Cherlapally Central Jail.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/011219/hyderabad-gang-rape-murder-rock-nation.html|title=Hyderabad gang-rape, murder rock nation|last=t|first=Jayendra chaithanya|date=1 December 2019|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=1 December 2019}} On 1 December 2019, Telangana Chief Minister ordered that a fast-track court be formed to try the accused of this crime.{{cite news |last1=Rahul |first1=N. |title=Hyderabad veterinarian rape and murder: Telangana CM orders fast track court to try accused |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/hyderabad-veterinarian-rape-and-murder-telangana-cm-orders-fast-track-court-to-try-accused/article30130390.ece |access-date=1 December 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=1 December 2019 |language=en-IN}}

Although the case was solved by the police in twenty-four hours, the family was dissatisfied. According to the victim's family, the response by the Hyberabad Police was improper, claiming that a quicker response by the police could have saved the victim's life. The victim's father had approached the police at 11 p.m. on 27 November, after which the police allegedly wasted time over the applicability of the jurisdiction of the police station and inappropriate questioning of the family. Constables were only sent for a search along with the family at 3 a.m. to Thondupally toll plaza and could not find the victim.{{cite news |first1=Amarnath K. |last1=Menon |title=Hyderabad Rape Case: The Horror and the Shame |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20191216-the-horror-and-the-shame-1625366-2019-12-06 |access-date=9 December 2019 |work=India Today |date=6 December 2019 |language=en}}

The day after the incident the local police suspended three policemen, including a sub-inspector, belonging to the Shamshabad airport police station for negligence and the delay in registering a missing person case.{{cite news |title=3 policemen suspended for FIR delay in vet case |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/3-policemen-suspended-for-fir-delay-in-vet-case/article30126242.ece |access-date=9 December 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=30 November 2019 |language=en-IN}}

The half-burnt corpse of another woman was found nearby, and the case is under investigation as of 1 December 2019. The police stated that it was not clear if it was a case of self-immolation or if she was set on fire. Police have not confirmed a link between the second corpse and the veterinarian's murder.{{cite news |title=Another Woman Burnt In Telangana, Close To Where Veterinarian Was Killed |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/another-woman-burnt-in-telangana-close-to-where-veterinarian-was-killed-2140971 |access-date=2 December 2019 |work=NDTV.com}}

The rape and murder caused outrage in several parts of the country.{{cite news |title=Vet's Rape Case To Be Tried In Fast-Track Court: Telangana Chief Minister |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/telangana-vets-rape-case-will-be-tried-in-fast-track-court-says-chief-minister-k-chandrashekar-rao-2141631 |work=NDTV.com}} Protests against rape were organised across the country, including major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press|title=Indians Demand Justice After Woman Gang Raped and Killed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2019/12/02/world/asia/ap-as-india-gang-rape.html |access-date=3 December 2019 |work=The New York Times |date=2 December 2019}} Hyderabad was the center of the protests. Politicians including Rahul Gandhi{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/brutal-rape-and-murder-of-veterinary-doctor-shakes-the-conscience-of-telangana/article30124231.ece|title=Brutal rape and murder of veterinary doctor shakes the conscience of Telangana|last=Kurmanath|first=K. V.|website=businessline|date=30 November 2019 |language=en|access-date=1 December 2019}} expressed shock over the incident that happened near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.{{cite news |last1=Deshpande |first1=Abhinay |title=All four accused in Hyderabad vet rape and murder case shot dead |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/four-accused-in-hyderabad-vet-rape-and-murder-case-shot-dead/article30202752.ece |access-date=9 December 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=6 December 2019 |language=en-IN}} Protesters across India demanded stricter laws against rapists.{{cite news |first1=Hannah |last1=Ellis-Petersen |title=Protests escalate in India over gang-rape and murder of woman |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/02/protests-continue-india-alleged-gang-rape-hyderabad |access-date=9 December 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=2 December 2019}} After the arrest of the four suspects, a crowd of local residents gathered at the Shadnagar police station to protest against the crime and demanding that the police either hang or shoot the culprits.

Due to the crowd of protestors around the police station, the accused could not be brought to court. Instead, the executive magistrate arrived to the police station and passed the order to send the accused on judicial custody for 14 days.

While the police were transporting the accused from the Shadnagar police station to the prison in Hyderabad, several protestors threw stones over police vehicles.{{cite news |title=Protesters Clash With Police Over Gang-Rape, Murder Of Telangana Vet |url=https://www.ndtv.com/hyderabad-news/protesters-clash-with-police-over-gang-rape-murder-of-telangana-veterinarian-2141339 |access-date=1 December 2019 |work=NDTV.com}} Police used force and wielded batons to control the crowd, who were demanding the police hand over the accused to them. The public sentiment was against the police. The protestors questioned the priorities of the police and demanded that police act in a sensitive, responsive and proactive manner.{{cite news |title=Huge Protests Over Telangana Vet Rape-Murder, 3 Cops Suspended: 10 Points |url=https://www.ndtv.com/hyderabad-news/telangana-rape-murder-police-accused-of-delayed-response-10-points-2141343 |access-date=1 December 2019 |work=NDTV.com}}

On 2 December 2019, the incident was discussed in both houses of the Indian parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.{{cite news |last1=Kaur |first1=Kamaljit |title=Lynching to castration: MPs come up with controversial punishments for rapists |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/hyderabad-gang-rape-murder-case-rajya-sabha-discussion-jaya-bachchan-vijila-sathyananth-1624353-2019-12-02 |access-date=2 December 2019 |work=India Today |date=2 December 2019 |language=en}} The members of the two houses expressed outrage on the incident and demanded concrete action. In the Lok Sabha, the Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the government was "open to every suggestion to curb such heinous crimes" and ready to explore strongest legal provisions.{{cite news |title=Lynch The Rapists, Says Jaya Bachchan, AIADMK Leader Breaks Down |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/telangana-veterinarian-rape-murder-jaya-bachchan-says-they-should-be-lynched-amid-outrage-in-parliam-2141860 |access-date=2 December 2019 |work=NDTV.com}} Minister of State for Home Affairs G. Kishan Reddy said, "There is zero tolerance towards crimes against women and children. Our government will soon bring requisite amendments to CrPC and IPC." He further added that the government will possibly try to bring the changes in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

In Rajya Sabha, an adjournment motions over the incident was rejected by Chairman Venkaiah Naidu, but he allowed the members to discuss such incidents in the country. Member of Parliament Jaya Bachchan said during a heated debate that the rapists should be lynched.{{cite news |title=Rapists should be brought out in public, lynched: Jaya Bachchan in Rajya Sabha amid uproar over Hyderabad case |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rapists-should-be-brought-out-in-public-lynched-jaya-bachchan-in-rajya-sabha-amid-uproar-over-hyderabad-case/story-3oplq9hlE3gHQaiKtC7KhK.html |access-date=2 December 2019 |agency=Hindustan Times |date=2 December 2019}} P. Wilson suggested courts be empowered "to surgically and chemically castrate convicted rapists before they are released from jails" to prevent repeat offenders. He stated that the list of sexual offenders should be released publicly.{{cite news |last1=Nair |first1=Sobhana K. |title=Outrage in Rajya Sabha over Hyderabad rape and murder |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/outrage-in-rajya-sabha-over-hyderabad-rape-and-murder/article30136750.ece |access-date=2 December 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=2 December 2019 |language=en-IN}} Vijila Sathyananth asked for faster delivery of justice and the hanging of the accused before 31 December. A speedy trial and death penalty for the accused was common demand of the members.

Mohd. Ali Khan asked for defined timelines for the trial in fast-track courts. He also asked to avoid giving a religious color to the accused since they belonged to different religions. The Communist Party of India which generally opposes capital punishment demanded it for the accused, and its member Binoy Viswam stated "I do not believe in death penalty, but these accused should be hanged for such a heinous crime".

In an interview to NDTV while visiting the family of the victim, Union Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy criticised the casual attitude of Telangana Police and their lack of a sense of urgency, saying it might have saved the victim. He stated "No one can be turned away from the police station like that. We will make it compulsory for every police station to accept a complaint. The FIR can be filed later; first they should have helped to search [for] the girl". He added "We take a very serious view of the developments. We intend to amend the IPC (Indian Penal Code) and CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) to make the law such that punishment is quick through fast-track courts. We will discuss this in great detail in a meeting of DGPs (senior police officers) between December 6 and 8. We want to publicise 112 as an emergency response system. Every woman must download the app to use in emergency. At the same time, the police and law enforcement authorities, her family, even some volunteers will be alerted, so response can be quick. We have recently introduced it in Delhi and want to publicise it everywhere."

The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has made additional suggestions for changes to IPC and CrPC rules.

All four accused were killed in an encounter (a term used in India for killings by police),{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/06/world/asia/india-rape-murder-police.html|title=After Horrific Rape in India, Police Kill 4 Suspects|last1=Gettleman|first1=Jeffrey|date=2019-12-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-06|last2=Kumar|first2=Hari|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} at around 3:30 am IST on 6 December 2019, under a bridge on Bangalore Hyderabad national highway,{{cite news |title=NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of Telangana encounter, orders probe |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nhrc-takes-suo-motu-cognizance-of-telangana-encounter-orders-probe/story-uhmt2PzkJLFIqWK3FMFfyH.html |access-date=6 December 2019 |work=Hindustan Times |date=6 December 2019 |language=en}} prompting accusations of extrajudicial execution. The New York Times reported that police "had been under enormous pressure to bring the rapists to justice".

According to Prakash Reddy, Deputy Commissioner of Shamshabad Police in Hyderabad, the four suspects were taken to the location for a reconstruction of the crime scene, where two of them snatched guns and attacked the police. In the ensuing shootout all four suspects were shot dead.{{cite news |title=Police shoot dead four suspects in gang-rape and murder |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/06/asia/india-hyderabad-rape-suspects-shot-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=6 December 2019 |work=CNN |date=6 December 2019}} According to reports in The Indian Express, police alleged that one of four accused had gestured to the other three to flee after attacking the police. The four tried to run towards a deserted pathway when police opened fire in what they described as self-defence.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/hyderabad-veterinary-rape-murder-case-telangana-police-encounter-accused-killed-6153186/|title=In sudden turn of events, all four accused in Hyderabad vet rape-murder case killed in police encounter|date=6 December 2019|website=Indian Express|access-date=6 December 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/hyderabad-rape-murder-accused-shot-dead-how-the-encounter-with-telangana-police-unfolded-6153325/|title=Hyderabad rape-murder accused shot dead: How the 'encounter' with Telangana Police unfolded|date=6 December 2019|website=The Indian Express|access-date=6 December 2019}} The suspects were not wearing handcuffs. According to Hyberabad police chief V. C. Sajjanar, the suspects had managed to snatch and use the weapons because the guns were unlocked. He stated "All four accused got together and started attacking the police party. Officers maintained restraint and asked them to surrender but without listening to us they kept firing. Our officers retaliated".{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/telangana-police-says-law-has-done-its-duty-to-questions-on-killing-of-accused-in-vets-rape-murder-2144460|title="Law Has Done Its Duty": Telangana Police On Row Over Killing Of Accused In Veterinarian's Rape-Murder|work=NDTV.com|access-date=6 December 2019}}

The family of the victim welcomed the encounter.{{cite news |title=Justice done, says Hyderabad victim's family |url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/justice-done-says-hyderabad-victims-040043676.html |access-date=6 December 2019 |work=in.news.yahoo.com |language=en-IN}} Thousands of people celebrated at the scene of the men's deaths the following day, some setting off firecrackers, distributing candies, showering police with flower petals, hoisting police to their shoulders, and shouting "hail the police!".{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50683615|title=Why Indians are celebrating the killings in Hyderabad|last=Pandey|first=Geeta|date=6 December 2019|access-date=6 December 2019|language=en-GB}} The New York Times reported that crowds celebrating in the streets had brought traffic to a standstill. Celebrations were also reported in other areas. Politicians and celebrities thanked police for the encounter on social media. The BBC attributed the celebrations to frustration with the "meandering pace" of the judicial system in India, which often requires years and occasionally decades to adjudicate clear cases. The BBC noted the popularity of films featuring "trigger-happy, vigilante cops brazenly carrying out extrajudicial executions" and the number of tweets comparing the Cyberabad police officers with the protagonist of Singam, a 2010 film about an avenging police officer.

The families of the accused were shocked with the news and questioned the killings.{{cite news |title=Families of Hyd rape accused shocked, question police action |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=650827 |access-date=6 December 2019 |work=daijiworld.com}} Human rights organizations and activists condemned the encounter. Maneka Gandhi stated that the case should have been tried in court. Karuna Nundy expressed concerns that "now nobody will ever know if the four men killed by the police were innocent men, arrested fast to show action. And whether four of the most brutal rapists roam free, to rape and kill more women." Amnesty International India stated that the "alleged extrajudicial execution" had raised disturbing questions and asked for an independent investigation.{{cite news |title=Indian police kill rape-murder suspects, sparking celebrations |url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/indian-police-kill-rape-murder-suspects-sparking-celebrations-doc-1mu58f4 |access-date=6 December 2019 |work=Agence France-Presse |language=en}} Other human rights organizations called the encounter a distraction from the government's failures to safeguard women's rights.{{cite news |title=Cops can't act like lynch mob, attempt to distract people: rights activists on Hyderabad encounter |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/top-stories/cops-can-t-act-like-lynch-mob--attempt-to-distract-people--rights--activists-on-hyderabad-encounter.html |access-date=21 August 2024 |work=The Pioneer |agency=Press Turst of India |language=en}} Meenakshi Ganguly of Human Rights Watch tweeted, "To appease public rage over state failures against sexual assault, Indian authorities commit another violation." Activist Rukmini Rao criticized some members of parliament for adding to the pressure on police, telling News Today "The police are acting on what they see as public support. And today we find not just public support, ordinary citizens, but we are finding members of parliament demanding lynchings, demanding killings, and if that is the case, how do you expect the police to act? The parliament has to uphold constitutional law."{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/news-today/video/hyderabad-shootout-genuine-or-fake-1626000-2019-12-06|title=Hyderabad shootout genuine or fake?|website=India Today|date=6 December 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-12-06}} The Telangana High Court ordered to preserve the bodies of the accused until 13 December, and permitted their transfer (due to lack of morgue space) to Gandhi Hospital.{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/hyderabad-encounter-telangana-high-court-directs-authorities-to-preserve-bodies-of-slain-accused-till-13-december-7760541.html|title=Hyderabad encounter: Telangana High Court directs authorities to preserve bodies of slain accused till 13 December|website=Firstpost|agency=Press Trust of India|date=9 December 2019|access-date=21 August 2024}}

The National Human Rights Commission of India initiated an investigation of the killings and will send a team led by a senior officer to Telangana.{{cite news |title=Hyderabad rape-accused killing: NHRC team reaches city, to visit 'encounter' spot, examine bodies |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2019/dec/07/hyderabad-rape-accused-killing-nhrc-team-reaches-city-to-visit-encounter-spot-examine-bodies-2072817.html |access-date=9 December 2019 |work=The New Indian Express}}{{cite news |title=Police kill four men suspected of rape, murder, drawing applause and concern |url=https://in.reuters.com/article/india-rape/police-kill-four-men-suspected-of-raping-veterinarian-in-hyderabad-draw-cheers-idINKBN1YA080 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206070101/https://in.reuters.com/article/india-rape/police-kill-four-men-suspected-of-raping-veterinarian-in-hyderabad-draw-cheers-idINKBN1YA080 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 December 2019 |access-date=6 December 2019 |work=Reuters |date=6 December 2019 |language=en}} News Today has questioned whether the encounter was staged. In May 2022, the Inquiry Commission headed by former Supreme Court judge V. S. Sirpurkar concluded in its report that the encounter was staged, and the accused "were deliberately fired upon with an intent to cause their death". The commission went on to recommend that the involved police officers be tried for murder. The Supreme Court of India transferred the matter to the Telangana High Court for further action.{{Cite news |last=Rajagopal |first=Krishnadas |date=2022-05-20 |title=Supreme Court panel indicts Telangana Police for killings in 2019 |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana-police-killed-4-suspects-held-for-gang-rape-murder-panel/article65440624.ece |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |date=2022-05-20 |title=2019 Hyderabad Encounter: Cops' "Intent To Cause Death," Says Report |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hyderabad-encounter-gang-rape-murder-accused-deliberately-fired-upon-with-intent-to-cause-death-says-probe-panel-on-cops-2993241 |access-date= |website=NDTV.com}}

In response to the incident, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed Andhra Pradesh Disha-Criminal Law (Andhra Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2019 and Special Courts for Specified Offences against Women and Children) Bill, 2020. The bills seek to expedite the investigation and trail of heinous cases related to sexual offences against women and children when substantial conclusive evidence is present. {{As of|2021|7}}, the bills were reserved for the President's assent.{{Cite news|date=2021-07-03|title=Jagan seeks Union Minister's support in ratification of Disha Bills by President|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/jagan-seeks-union-ministers-support-in-ratification-of-disha-bills-by-president/article35112788.ece|issn=0971-751X}}

In September 2020, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma announced the film Disha Encounter which is based on the incident.{{Cite web|date=5 September 2019|title=RGV's Disha Encounter first look poster, release date out|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/sep/05/rgvs-disha-encounter-first-look-poster-release-date-out-20112.html|url-status=live|website=Cinema Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923093452/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/sep/05/rgvs-disha-encounter-first-look-poster-release-date-out-20112.html |archive-date=23 September 2020 }} The Central Board of Film Certification initially refused to certify the film but later passed it with an adult-only rating. The film's release has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the victim's parents approached the Telangana High Court petitioning that the film would bring disrepute to their family.{{Cite web|date=4 February 2021|title=CBFC refuses to certify RGV's Disha Encounter, film sent to revising committee|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/feb/04/cbfc-refuses-to-certify-rgvs-disha-encounter-film-sent-to-revising-committee-22655.html|url-status=live|website=Cinema Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204160613/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/feb/04/cbfc-refuses-to-certify-rgvs-disha-encounter-film-sent-to-revising-committee-22655.html |archive-date=4 February 2021 }}{{Cite web|date=15 June 2021|title=Disha Encounter movie: Telangana HC allows parents two weeks to contest censor board nod|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2021/jun/15/disha-encounter-movie-telangana-hc-allows-parents-twoweeks-to-contest-censor-board-nod-2316284.html|url-status=live|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719070344/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2021/jun/15/disha-encounter-movie-telangana-hc-allows-parents-twoweeks-to-contest-censor-board-nod-2316284.html |archive-date=19 July 2021 }}

• Rape in India
• 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder
• Aasha Encounter
• Rameeza Bee rape case
• 2022 Hyderabad gang rape
• 2024 Kolkata rape and murder

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{{Rape in India}}

Category:2019 murders in India

Category:Crime in Telangana

Category:Gang rape in India

Category:Incidents of violence against women

Category:November 2019 crimes in Asia

Category:November 2019 in India

Category:Rape in the 2010s

Category:Violence against women in India

Category:Rape in India

Category:Encounters in India