On 15th July, Punjab Police arrested 26-year-old NRI Amritpal Singh Dhillon for allegedly hitting 114-year-old legendary marathoner Fauja Singh, who was out for a walk, on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway. Dhillon was driving an SUV at high speed when he hit Fauja Singh, also known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” who was thrown several feet into the air. He escaped the scene soon after the accident. Fauja Singh was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Dhillon was traced by the police using CCTV footage of the incident. He confessed to driving the Toyota Fortuner that hit Fauja Singh. He claimed to be unaware of the victim’s identity and fled out of fear. Dhillon had recently returned from Canada for a home visit. He had gone to Canada on a tourist visa and later secured a work permit valid until 2027.
Fauja Singh had lived in the UK and inspired millions by running marathons past the age of 100. Prime Minister Modi mourned his death, calling him an extraordinary icon.
