NRI Arrested for Hit-and-Run That Claimed Life of Marathon Legend Fauja Singh

NRI Arrested in Hit-and-Run That Killed 114-Year-Old Marathon Legend Fauja Singh.

Punjab Police have arrested a 30-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Amritpal Singh Dhillon, in connection with the tragic hit-and-run that led to the death of celebrated marathoner Fauja Singh. The arrest, made within 30 hours of the incident, also led to the recovery of the Fortuner SUV involved in the accident.

Dhillon, a native of Dasupur village in Kartarpur, Jalandhar, was taken into custody late Tuesday night. He is currently being interrogated at Bhogpur police station and is likely to be produced in court today, where police are expected to seek his remand.

According to officials, a list of potential suspect vehicles was created shortly after the incident. Investigators zeroed in on a Fortuner SUV registered to Varinder Singh, a resident of Kapurthala. Upon questioning, Varinder revealed that he had sold the SUV two years ago to Amritpal Singh Dhillon, who had recently returned from Canada.

Police say Dhillon confessed during preliminary questioning. He told investigators that he was returning from Mukerian after selling his mobile phone when he struck an elderly man near Bias Pind. Dhillon admitted he fled the scene, taking a rural route to Kartarpur to avoid Jalandhar city. He claimed he was unaware the victim was Fauja Singh until he saw news reports later that evening.

Police also confirmed that Dhillon’s family, including his mother and three sisters, resides in Canada.

Fauja Singh, revered globally as the “Turbaned Tornado,” was 114 years old and widely celebrated for shattering age-defying barriers in athletics. He had taken part in multiple international marathons and held several records in senior age categories. He began competitive running at the age of 89 after a personal tragedy, inspiring generations with his resilience and discipline.

His death was first confirmed publicly by author Khushwant Singh, who wrote on social media platform X:
“My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh… Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.”

The investigation into the case continues, with police expected to formally press charges after the remand proceedings.