BAHAWALPUR: The prime suspect in the killing of an orphaned teenager in Multan was killed in an alleged encounter with Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD) near Bahawalpur early Wednesday, police said.
The suspect, identified as Tauqeer Nazir, had escaped from the custody of Multan’s DHA police station while on a four-day physical remand in connection with the murder of Waseem Abbas.
CCD District Officer Irfan Akbar said a police team attempted to stop two men riding a motorcycle near Bahawalpur’s Northern Bypass.
According to Akbar, the men opened fire on police while trying to flee, triggering an exchange of gunfire. Tauqeer was killed during the incident.
The CCD official claimed that Tauqeer was struck by bullets fired by his accomplice, who escaped from the scene.
Suspect Was on Four-Day Police Remand
A judicial magistrate in Multan had granted police four days of physical remand to question Tauqeer in connection with the teenager’s murder.
The suspect was reportedly assaulted by lawyers during his court appearance on Tuesday.
Police said another suspect, identified as Amjad, was also wanted in connection with the killing and remained at large.
However, authorities have not explained how Tauqeer escaped custody or how he reached Bahawalpur. Police have yet to disclose the circumstances or timing of his escape before the alleged encounter.
Teenager Allegedly Chased and Run Over
Tauqeer was the main suspect in the killing of Waseem Abbas, an orphaned teenager who was allegedly chased and run over by a car in Multan’s Royal Orchard housing society.
According to police, Waseem had been living at an NGO-run orphanage before he was sent to work with Tauqeer about a week before his death to learn electrical work.
The teenager reportedly wanted to leave the job because of alleged mistreatment.
Police said Tauqeer pursued Waseem in a car after the boy fled his workplace and allegedly ran him over. CCTV footage of the incident showed the teenager running away before being struck by the vehicle.
Investigators said their initial findings showed no evidence that Waseem had been involved in theft.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari had earlier said Tauqeer and his alleged accomplice, Amjad, chased the teenager for about one kilometre before running him over.
Police registered a murder case against the suspects under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Authorities also detained several orphanage staff members for questioning as part of the investigation.
Waseem, who belonged to Muzaffargarh district, was buried in his ancestral graveyard in Daultpur village.
