Odisha politicians hail Telangana encounter of vet rape-murder accused

Bhubaneswar: In a rare display of harmony, Odisha politicians cutting across party lines today hailed the action of Telangana police, who neutralized four rape and murder accused of a veterinarian trying to escape from police custody.

The four men who allegedly raped, murdered and set afire the 26-year-old veterinarian were shot dead at 3 am today after they tried to run away from the crime scene, the police said. Notably, they were taken to the spot to recreate the crime sequence.

Veteran Congress leader Suresh Rourtray, who  is known for his no holds barred comments, congratulated the policemen for the encounter.

“I congratulate the Telangana police. Those who are raping women should be killed in encounters so that it would act as a deterrent for people. Almost every day women are being raped in Odisha. I urge Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to use such strategy to eliminate rapists,” Suresh Routray said.

A ruling party leader and Minister too echoed his views on similar lines.

Law Minister Pratap Jena said: “I don’t know what the Human Rights Commission or other orgnaisations will say, but stern action should be taken against the rapists. In several countries, the rapists are being shot dead or decapitated in full public view. In India too, we should have stringent punishment for such culprits. In my view, the Hyderabad police action was apt and they have been punished.”

The Telangana police deserve applause. They have acted within constitutional framework, BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty expressed.

The four men, Mohammed Arif (26), Jollu Shiva (20), Jollu Naveen (20) and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu (20), tried to snatch weapons from the policemen and escape, the police said, adding that they opened fire in self-defence.

Celebrations broke out across the country after the incident was reported. People burst crackers, distributed sweets and even showered flowers on policemen at site. The local were seen showering petals on the on-duty cops with chanting of Jai Police and Hyderabad Police Zindabad at the site.