Multan (The COW News Digital) The main suspect in the killing of a 15-year-old orphan boy in Multan has reportedly been killed in an alleged police encounter near Bahawalpur, days after he was accused of running over the teenager with a car.
The suspect, identified as Tauqeer Nazir, had allegedly struck Waseem Abbas with his vehicle on Monday after the boy decided he no longer wanted to work for him, reportedly because of his treatment.
According to District Officer of the Crime Control Department (CCD) Irfan Akbar, Tauqeer was arrested following the incident and produced before a court. A judicial magistrate subsequently granted police four-day remand. However, the suspect later escaped from custody.
Akbar said police personnel attempted to stop two motorcyclists on the Northern Bypass near Bahawalpur. According to his account, the riders opened fire while trying to flee. During the exchange, Tauqeer was reportedly killed by gunfire from his own accomplice, while the other suspect escaped.
Authorities have not yet provided further details about the alleged encounter or the search for the fleeing suspect.
The case had attracted widespread attention after CCTV footage from a private housing society in Multan appeared to show the teenager being chased before a car struck him. Videos recorded from different camera angles reportedly showed the boy running away as the vehicle pursued him.
The footage raised serious questions about the initial suggestion that the death was an accident. Police subsequently registered a murder case against Tauqeer and arrested him.
According to Multan City Police Officer Akhtar Farooq, Waseem had been living at an orphanage operated by a non-governmental organisation. He had been sent to Tauqeer seven days before the incident to learn electrical work.
Police said Tauqeer undertook electrical contracts at different buildings and had previously provided work training to children from the same orphanage.
Investigators believe the confrontation began when Waseem decided to leave the work. Police said the boy was pursued and struck by the vehicle, resulting in his death at the scene.
The case also drew attention after Tauqeer was reportedly assaulted by lawyers while being presented in court.
The reported death of the main suspect raises further questions about the circumstances of the encounter and the progress of the investigation. Authorities will need to establish the sequence of events through evidence and official findings, while the search for the alleged accomplice remains outstanding.
The killing has renewed concerns about the protection of vulnerable children, particularly those placed in work or training arrangements outside institutional care. The circumstances surrounding Waseem’s treatment and the safeguards available to children sent for vocational training remain important issues for the relevant authorities to examine.
