Fauja Singh Death Case: NRI Arrested After 114-Year-Old Marathon Runner Killed In Hit-And-Run; Fortuner Seized

Jalandhar (Punjab): Punjab Police arrested a 30-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) in connection with the tragic hit-and-run death of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh. The arrest of Amritpal Singh Dhillon, coupled with the recovery of the Fortuner SUV involved in the incident, came within a remarkable 30 hours of the accident that claimed the life of the 114-year-old athlete.

Dhillon, a resident of Dasupur village in Kartarpur of Jalandhar, was taken into custody late Tuesday night and is currently undergoing interrogation at the Bhogpur police station. He is expected to be presented in court today, where police are likely to seek his remand for further questioning.

Details On Police Probe

According to an India Today report, the breakthrough in the case came after police officials meticulously compiled a list of suspect vehicles. Late Tuesday evening, authorities successfully identified a Fortuner SUV believed to be involved in the incident. Initial investigations revealed the vehicle was registered in the name of Varinder Singh, a resident of Kapurthala.

Who Was Fauja Singh? All You Need To Know About The 114-Year-Old Legendary Marathon Runner Who Died In Road Accident

Jalandhar police teams promptly proceeded to Kapurthala to question Varinder Singh. During the interrogation, Varinder disclosed that he had sold the car two years prior to Amritpal Singh Dhillon, an NRI who had recently returned from Canada. Police also noted that Dhillon has three sisters and his mother resides in Canada.

Following the accident, Dhillon reportedly bypassed Jalandhar city, opting instead to drive through various villages to reach his native village in Kartarpur, in an apparent attempt to evade detection.

'Was Unaware That Victim Was Fauja Singh,' Says Accused NRI Driver

During preliminary questioning, Dhillon reportedly confessed to his involvement. He stated that he was returning from Mukerian after selling his phone when his vehicle struck an elderly person near Bias Pind. Dhillon claimed he was unaware at the time that the victim was Fauja Singh and only learned of the marathoner's death later through news reports.

Sardar Fauja Singh Dies At 114: Legendary Marathoner Tragically Passes Away In Road Accident

About Fauja Singh's Accident

Fauja Singh, affectionately known as the 'Turbaned Tornado,' died on Monday after being struck by an unidentified vehicle while out for a walk in his native village of Bias in Jalandhar district.

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 . pic.twitter.com/LMFh7TNE8B

— Khushwant Singh (@Singhkhushwant) July 14, 2025

His death was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, who posted 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," after speaking to the marathoner's family.

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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 15, 2025

PM Modi Mourns Fauja Singh's Demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned his passing on X, stating, "Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary due to his unique personality and his approach to inspiring India's youth on the crucial topic of fitness. He was a remarkable athlete with unwavering determination. His passing has caused great sorrow. My condolences are with his family and his countless admirers around the world."