The main suspect accused of running over and killing a teenage boy in Multan has died in an alleged encounter with Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD) in Bahawalpur, police said on Wednesday.

The suspect, identified as Tauqeer Nazir, was accused of chasing and hitting 14-year-old Waseem Abbas with a car in a private housing society in Multan. The boy, who was reportedly working for the suspect while learning electrical work, died from his injuries.

According to police, Tauqeer had been granted physical remand by a Multan court on Tuesday but allegedly escaped from custody later that night.

A CCD spokesperson said officers attempted to stop two men riding a motorcycle near Bahawalpur’s Northern Bypass early Wednesday. An exchange of fire followed, leaving Tauqeer dead, while his alleged accomplice escaped.

The original case was registered under murder provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIR named two suspects and alleged that they pursued the teenager before striking him with their vehicle.

The circumstances surrounding the suspect’s reported escape from custody and subsequent death have raised questions that authorities may need to clarify as the investigation continues.