The Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested a 30-year-old man from Canada in connection with the tragic hit-and-run case that claimed the life of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh, known globally as the “Turbaned Tornado.”
The accident occurred on Monday afternoon in Beas village, Jalandhar district, when the 114-year-old was struck by a speeding Toyota Fortuner while crossing the road. CCTV footage helped police identify the vehicle involved.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harvinder Singh Virk confirmed that surveillance footage led authorities to the suspect, who was apprehended within hours of being identified.
A Nation Mourns a Legend
Fauja Singh, an internationally celebrated marathoner and multiple world record-holder, was rushed to a private hospital after the collision but succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
“Even though he was rushed to a nearby private hospital, his pulse rate fell drastically by Monday evening and the medical team failed to resuscitate him,” said his son, Harvinder Singh.
Singh began running in his 80s to cope with the grief of losing his son in 1994 and went on to become a global symbol of resilience and healthy aging. Tributes poured in across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi among those paying homage to the inspirational athlete.
Who is the Accused?
The accused has been identified as Amritpal Singh, a 26-year-old NRI originally from Dasupur village, Kartarpura subdivision, Jalandhar district. He had arrived from Canada just eight days prior to the incident.
- Singh reportedly bought the white Toyota Fortuner (PB 20C7100) from a Kapurthala resident.
- On the day of the accident, he was driving from Bhogpur to Kishangarh.
- Singh told police he was returning home after selling his mobile phone.
- He confessed to the crime and claimed ignorance of the victim’s identity until seeing media coverage.
According to reports, Singh said he fled the scene in a panic and only later realized he had hit the famed centenarian runner.
The case has reignited concerns about road safety, accountability for reckless driving, and justice for victims of negligent behavior. Authorities say they are moving swiftly to ensure legal action follows.