Multan Teen Murder Suspect Killed After Alleged Custody Escape

Tauqeer Nazir, the principal suspect accused of killing 15-year-old Waseem Abbas by running him over with a car in Multan, has died in an alleged encounter with Punjab’s Crime Control Department in Bahawalpur. The development came while Nazir was on a four-day physical remand in the teenager’s murder case.

Officials said Nazir had escaped from police custody before the encounter. According to the CCD’s account, officers attempted to stop two men travelling on a motorcycle near a bypass in Bahawalpur during the early hours of Wednesday. The riders allegedly opened fire while trying to flee, prompting an exchange of gunfire.

The department claimed Nazir was struck by bullets fired by his own alleged accomplice. The second rider escaped from the scene, and police teams were deployed to locate him. Authorities had not publicly explained in detail how Nazir escaped while on physical remand or travelled from Multan to Bahawalpur.

A judicial magistrate had remanded Nazir to police custody following his arrest over Waseem’s death. He was also reportedly assaulted by lawyers when he appeared in court. Another suspect connected with the teenager’s death remained at large as investigators continued their search.

Waseem had been living at an orphanage operated by a non-governmental organisation. Police said he was sent to work with Nazir approximately one week before his death to learn electrical work. The teenager reportedly wanted to leave because of alleged mistreatment at work.

Investigators allege that Waseem was pursued in a car after attempting to leave and was subsequently run over in Multan’s Royal Orchard housing society. CCTV recordings showing the teenager being chased before the collision generated widespread public anger. Police said their preliminary investigation found no evidence supporting claims that the boy had committed theft.

A murder case was registered under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Several people associated with the orphanage were also questioned as investigators examined how Waseem was placed in the work arrangement and whether adequate safeguards were followed.

The suspect’s reported escape and subsequent death leave important questions for investigators, including how custody was breached and how the alleged encounter unfolded. Custody records, forensic evidence, weapons examination and statements from the participating officers could be central to establishing a complete account.

Waseem belonged to Muzaffargarh district and was buried in his ancestral village. The case has drawn renewed attention to the protection of children placed in vocational work, the responsibilities of residential welfare organisations and the need for transparent scrutiny when a suspect dies during a police operation.