Punjab Police have arrested Amritpal Singh Dhillon, a 26-year-old Non-Resident Indian from Canada, in connection with the hit-and-run that killed Fauja Singh, the world-renowned 114-year-old marathon runner known as the “Turbaned Tornado”, reported NDTV. The arrest follows a swift 30-hour investigation by police teams using CCTV footage and vehicle identification to trace the Toyota Fortuner involved in the incident.
The fatal incident occurred when Fauja was crossing the Jalandhar–Pathankot highway near his native Beas Pind village in Punjab. He sustained critical head injuries and was rushed to a Jalandhar hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries later on July 14.
Dhillon allegedly hit Fauja while driving the SUV and fled the scene. He later admitted during interrogation that he panicked and fled, claiming ignorance of the victim’s identity. The police have seized the Fortuner and registered a case under charges of rash driving and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Who Was Fauja Singh?
Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, Punjab, Fauja Singh immigrated to the UK in the 1990s. He took up marathon running at the age of 89 to cope with personal loss, including the deaths of his wife and son. He achieved global fame by successfully completing multiple international marathons after turning 100 — becoming an inspiration for fitness, resilience, and longevity worldwide.
His accomplishments include carrying the torch for the 2012 London Olympics and participating in marathons in Toronto, London, New York, and Hong Kong. He became a living legend, admired not just for his age-defying achievements but for his humility and message of hope.
Public Response and Next Steps
Punjabi and Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, have mourned Fauja’s passing and hailed his extraordinary spirit. The Punjab Assembly also paid tribute to the centenarian athlete in a special session.
Dhillon is expected to face the courts and has been booked under Indian laws for rash and negligent driving and culpable homicide. Investigations continue to clarify details such as the speed of the vehicle, road conditions, Dhillon’s actions following the crash, and whether Fauja’s identity had any bearing on his decision to flee.
Human rights groups and diaspora voices have also weighed in on the incident, urging strict legal proceedings and calling it a tragic and unacceptable loss of a global icon. Local villagers, meanwhile, held candlelight vigils in memory of Fauja Singh, calling for the highway stretch to be renamed in his honour.
A Legacy that Transcends Borders
Fauja Singh’s death is not just a tragic accident; it is a poignant moment marking the end of a century-long life devoted to perseverance. His story inspired millions, especially seniors, to reimagine aging and physical limits. From being an illiterate farmer to a torchbearer at the Olympics, his journey was one of pure grit.
His funeral is expected to draw thousands of admirers from across the globe, and demands are growing for a government-funded memorial that honors his legacy in both India and the UK.
Photo Credit: NDTV
