Five under trail criminals including most wanted Vikaruddin were killed in an encounter that took place near Alair in Nalgonda district  today. According to police Vikaruddin was wanted in many terror activities including Mecca Masjid blasts case and other four were suspected SIMI activists.

The five were being brought to Hyderabad from Warangal Jail for a court hearing. After they crossed Warangal district, the SIMI activists attacked on their police escort trying to snatch weapons forcing police to open fire. The five were killed on the spot, claimed police.

Vikaruddin was a native of Old Malakpet in Hyderabad and wanted in Mecca Masjid Bombs blasts case in 2007. He was wanted in several cases with respect to attacks on police.

He allegedly attacked jail warden at Chenchalguda Central jail in Hyderabad and made an attempt to escape. Later he along with his four other aids, was shifted to Warangal Jail where he was kept in a High Security Block.

The incident occurred close on the heels of a gunfight in Nalgonda district on Saturday in which two operatives of banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and a policeman were killed.