Suspect in boy's killing dies in 'encounter'

BAHAWALPUR: The main suspect in the killing of a 15-year-old orphan boy, who was allegedly run over by a car in Multan, died in an alleged encounter with the Crime Control Department (CCD) in Bahawalpur, while his accomplice escaped, police said on Wednesday. Two separate cases have been registered, one regarding the suspect's escape from police custody in Multan and the other concerning the alleged police encounter in Bahawalpur. According to details, suspect Tauqeer was being transferred from the DHA police station in Multan to the CCD when the police vehicle suffered a punctured tyre. During the tyre change, Tauqeer was handcuffed and made to stand to one side. Police said several motorcyclists arrived at the scene and opened fire on the police party. Amid the firing, the suspects allegedly took Tauqeer away and fled. However, SP CCD Bahawalpur Region Shafqat Atta gave a different account of the subsequent events. He said a police team had established a checkpoint near the Eastern Bypass to check suspected criminals when officers attempted to stop two motorcyclists. According to the officer, the motorcyclists opened fire, prompting the CCD personnel to retaliate. One suspect was killed in the exchange of fire, while the other escaped. The deceased was later identified as Tauqeer, who had escaped from police custody in Multan, the officer said. The CCD Multan registered a case over Tauqeer's escape from custody, while the CCD Bahawalpur registered a case under provisions relating to the alleged police encounter. The body was shifted to Bahawal Victoria Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police said efforts were under way to trace the absconding suspect and other accomplices.