Jalandhar, Punjab – In a tragic incident that has shocked the nation, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, a 30-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI), was arrested by the Jalandhar Rural Police late Tuesday night in connection with a hit-and-run case that led to the death of 114-year-old marathon legend Fauja Singh.
The incident occurred in Bias village of Punjab’s Jalandhar district, when Dhillon, driving a white Toyota Fortuner SUV, allegedly hit Fauja Singh on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway. The collision threw the centenarian 5 to 7 feet into the air. Singh later succumbed to his injuries the same evening.
According to police sources, Dhillon fled the scene immediately after the incident, using internal village roads in an attempt to avoid detection. A police investigation using CCTV footage and fragments of the SUV’s headlights led to the identification and arrest of Dhillon within 30 hours.
Further investigations revealed that Dhillon had recently returned from Canada and had bought the vehicle two years ago from a man named Varinder Singh. After his arrest, Dhillon reportedly confessed to the crime, claiming that he was on his way home after selling his mobile phone and was unaware that the victim was the celebrated marathon runner until he saw the news later.
Dhillon has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) under:
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Section 281: Rash driving
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Section 105: Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
The Jalandhar Rural Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and further legal action will be taken based on the final findings. Authorities are also reviewing whether additional charges should be added depending on Dhillon’s intent and negligence.
The death of Fauja Singh, an internationally revered athlete who inspired millions with his record-breaking marathons well past the age of 100, has left a void in the world of sports and beyond. Tributes have poured in from all over the country and abroad, mourning the loss of a living legend.
