Suspect in Multan Teen’s Killing Dies in Alleged Police Encounter; Custody Questions Remain

MULTAN/BAHAWALPUR: Taqeer Nazir, the main suspect in the killing of 15-year-old orphan Wasim Abbas, has died in an alleged police encounter near Bahawalpur’s Northern Bypass, according to Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD).

The department claimed Nazir opened fire when officers attempted to stop him. It said he was killed by a bullet fired by his own accomplice during the exchange, while the accomplice, identified as Amjad, escaped. This account is based on the department’s statement.

Boy Had Been Sent to Learn Electrical Work

According to the information provided, Wasim Abbas was a resident of Muzaffargarh who lived in an NGO-run orphanage. He had been sent to Nazir to learn electrical work.

It is alleged that when the boy wanted to leave the work, Nazir and his accomplice chased him for approximately one kilometre before driving a car over him at high speed. Wasim died at the scene.

CCTV Footage Challenged Initial Accident Claim

Reports said CCTV footage showed the boy running as the suspects pursued him, raising questions about their initial claim that his death was an accident. The footage prompted widespread grief and anger.

Police subsequently registered a murder case and arrested Nazir. A court placed him on four days’ physical remand in police custody.

Questions Remain Over Police Custody

It remains unclear how Nazir left police custody and reached Bahawalpur while on remand. A detailed police explanation of those circumstances has yet to emerge.

Police are searching for Amjad. Some orphanage staff have reportedly also been detained for questioning, although no findings regarding their alleged involvement have been announced.