The tragic death of veteran marathoner Fauja Singh, 114, has sparked outrage and grief worldwide. The Indian-born British national, affectionately known as the "Turbaned Tornado," was struck by a vehicle while walking near his village in Punjab, India on Monday afternoon. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his severe head injuries later that evening.
Following the hit-and-run accident on the Jalandhar-Pathankot National Highway, police have arrested Amritpal Singh, 32, in connection with the incident. The accused, a resident of Dasupur village in Jalandhar, was apprehended on Tuesday evening. Police also recovered the Fortuner SUV, bearing registration number Punjab-20-C-7100, involved in the collision. Amritpal Singh has been booked under Sections 281 (negligent driving) and 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Adampur police station.
The arrest came after an extensive investigation by the Jalandhar Rural Police. With no CCTV coverage at the accident site, police meticulously reviewed footage from nearby areas. Investigators identified the vehicle by matching missing parts, including a headlight and bumper fragment, found at the scene. SSP Jalandhar Rural Harvinder S Virk noted the vehicle had changed hands multiple times, complicating the investigation.
Fauja Singh's death has been met with an outpouring of grief. Born on April 1, 1911, he defied age to become a global icon. He began running competitively at 89, completing his first marathon in London in 2000. He went on to run nine full marathons, with a personal best of 5:40:04 in the 'over 90' category at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2003. Singh was also a torchbearer at the 2012 London Olympics.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria expressed their condolences. Modi praised Singh's inspiring impact on Indian youth. Kataria recalled Singh's commitment to a drug-free Punjab. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, honoring Singh's athletic achievements and inspirational spirit.
The investigation into the accident continues. Police are gathering more details. Fauja Singh's family is awaiting the arrival of relatives from abroad before holding the last rites. His legacy as a symbol of resilience will continue to inspire for generations.
