Fauja Singh hit-and-run: NRI arrested, Fortuner seized by Punjab police

Jalandhar: Punjab Police have apprehended a 30-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) in connection with the tragic hit-and-run incident that led to the death of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh. The accused, identified as Amritpal Singh Dhillon, was arrested within 30 hours of the accident, and the Fortuner SUV involved has also been recovered.

Fauja Singh, affectionately known as the "Turbaned Tornado" and celebrated globally for his extraordinary marathon feats well into his centenarian years, was 114 years old at the time of the incident. He succumbed to severe head injuries on Monday evening after being struck by the vehicle on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway, near his native village.

Police officials meticulously compiled a list of suspect vehicles and utilised CCTV footage from the highway, along with fragments of a broken headlight found at the accident site, to identify the white Toyota Fortuner involved. The investigation revealed the vehicle was initially registered to a Varinder Singh of Kapurthala, who, upon questioning, disclosed that he had sold the SUV two years prior to Amritpal Singh Dhillon.

Fauja Singh tragically passed away on Monday evening when he succumbed to severe head injuries after being struck by a speeding vehicle on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway, near his native village of Bias.

Fauja Singh's death was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, who shared the news on X. "My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 pm today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja," he quoted.