The main suspect in the case involving the alleged rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in Sargodha was killed in an alleged police encounter with the Crime Control Department (CCD), sources said on Wednesday.

According to the sources, the suspect had been arrested a day earlier.

A CCD Sargodha team was taking him to the Jhal Chakian police station area for the recovery of the murder weapon when his accomplices allegedly opened indiscriminate fire upon spotting the police team.

During the exchange of fire, the main suspect was killed, while his accomplices managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

The sources further said that special CCD teams have been formed to arrest the fleeing suspects.

Police said that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Earlier, police arrested six people, including the prime suspect Arsalan, in connection with the rape and murder of seven-year-old Muntaha in Sargodha’s Block No. 8 area.

According to sources, Muntaha had gone to buy items from a nearby shop but never returned.

Her body was later recovered, triggering grief and outrage across the neighbourhood.

According to the FIR, the prime suspect, Arsalan, allegedly lured the child to his shop, sexually assaulted her, and then killed her with a sharp-edged weapon, fearing identification.

He fled the scene after the incident.

During initial proceedings, police took shop owner Hanif, his son, and other suspects into custody.

Later, a police team conducted raids at various locations and apprehended the prime suspect.