The main suspect in the attack on a passenger coach near Ubauro was killed in an alleged police encounter during a joint operation by police and Rangers, officials said on Wednesday.

According to the DSP Ubauro, the suspect was identified as Hazara alias Lala Sikhani, who was described as the central figure behind the bus attack.

The operation was carried out in Ubauro against armed outlaws, during which the suspect was killed.

The Punjab government had earlier announced a bounty of Rs5 million on his head.

Officials said the encounter occurred during an ongoing crackdown, with reports that at least three other suspects were injured in the operation.

Security forces have tightened the cordon in the area, and the operation remains underway.

Police said drones and modern surveillance technology are being used to track the remaining suspects.

The operation is being supervised by Sukkur DIG Abdullah Chachar, according to officials.

The development follows a violent incident on December 15, when a passenger bus travelling from Sadiqabad to Quetta was intercepted on the Guddu-Kashmore link road near Ubauro.

More than two dozen armed men reportedly opened indiscriminate fire in the darkness before fleeing with 19 abducted passengers into the riverine area.

Police said a large contingent was deployed after the incident, leading to the recovery of 15 abducted passengers during subsequent operations.

One passenger, identified as Karim Bakhsh Baloch, died of a heart attack during the incident. His body was later recovered from a sugarcane field.

More than five injured passengers were shifted to Rahim Yar Khan hospital for treatment.

Authorities said investigations are continuing and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects involved in the attack.