Fauja Singh hit-and-run: Accused NRI driver arrested in death of world’s oldest marathon runner; Fortuner also seized | Chandigarh News
NEW DELHI: Police in Punjab have arrested the suspected driver in the hit-and-run case that claimed the life of Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner. The accused has been identified as Amritpal Dhillon.He was detained on Tuesday night from his home in a village in district Jalandhar. He told the police that he was returning from Bhogpur when the accident took place.
Fauja Singh (Photo: X)
The 113-year-old athlete, widely celebrated for his long-distance running achievements well into his centenarian years, died on Monday after being struck by a white Toyota Fortuner on the Jalandhar-Pathankot national highway in Punjab. Officials said it took more than 24 hours to identify the vehicle involved, aided by broken headlight fragments recovered from the scene, CCTV footage from toll booths and fuel stations and eyewitness accounts.
Final journey to a place of meaning
Singh was reportedly on his way to a roadside dhaba (eatery) run by his family in Beas Pind when the accident occurred. The eatery, named after his fifth son who died in an accident during its construction in 1994, held deep emotional significance for the former runner.
“He visited us every few days, had a simple meal, and sat for tea. It was a kind of pilgrimage for him — to be near his son’s photo,” said Gurdeep Singh, who helps manage the dhaba. “People would often take selfies with him. We were proud to have him here.” The accident reportedly occurred when Singh was crossing the highway. “He lay face down when we reached him,” said Gurpreet Singh, a resident who helped rush Singh to hospital. “We only realised it was him when we turned him over. It was devastating.” Though conscious and responsive at the time, Singh’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He passed away later that day.
