Who Is Amritpal Singh Dhillon, NRI Driver Accused in Hit-and-Run That Killed 114-Year-Old Marathon Legend Fauja Singh

The tragic death of Fauja Singh, the 114-year-old marathon icon famously known as the Turbaned Tornado, has shocked the nation. He was fatally hit by a speeding SUV on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday around 3:00 PM. The man behind the wheel has been identified as Amritpal Singh Dhillon, a 26-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) who recently arrived from Canada.

The Fatal Accident

Fauja Singh had stepped out for his routine walk after lunch and was walking alone near the highway when the incident occurred. Eyewitnesses from the village reported that the impact from the SUV tossed him nearly 5–7 feet into the air. He was quickly rushed to Shriman Hospital, where doctors tried to save him. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries at 7:00 PM the same day.

Arrest & Investigation

Punjab Police confirmed on Wednesday morning that they had arrested Amritpal Singh Dhillon from his native village, Dasupur, in the Kartarpura sub-division of Jalandhar district. The white Toyota Fortuner, which bore a Punjab registration, was also identified and seized by authorities earlier this week.

According to officials, Dhillon had returned to India from Canada just eight days ago. He had recently purchased the SUV from a resident of Kapurthala. On the day of the accident, Dhillon was reportedly traveling from Bhogpur to Kishangarh.

During interrogation, Dhillon admitted to hitting Fauja Singh, stating he had no idea about the victim’s identity until the news went viral. He further told police that he was returning home after selling his mobile phone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over Fauja Singh’s passing, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness. He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.”

About Fauja Singh – The Turbaned Tornado

Fauja Singh was not just India’s oldest marathon runner, but a global symbol of fitness, resilience, and hope. He began running marathons at the age of 89 and completed several international races well into his 100s, including London, Toronto, and New York marathons. His discipline, vegetarian lifestyle, and ever-positive mindset made him a fitness icon worldwide.

The shocking nature of the incident and Fauja Singh’s stature have sparked public outrage. Citizens, activists, and politicians are demanding swift and strict legal action against Amritpal Singh Dhillon. The incident has also reignited conversations about road safety, especially for elderly pedestrians.