A 26-year-old man from Canada has been arrested in Punjab for causing the death of Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner. The accused Amritpal Singh Dhillon allegedly ran over the 114-year-old with his SUV on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway near the veteran runner's native village of Bias.

The accused had returned to India just three weeks ago and was staying in Kartarpur, his hometown.

Amritpal Singh Dhillon from Canada Arrested for Hitting 114-Year-Old Marathon Runner Fauja SinghThe driver who hit 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh has been arrested. The accused, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, a non-resident Indian (NRI) from Canada, had arrived in India... twitter/19pAEHTfby

- Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) July 16, 2025

Police confirm hit-and-run and arrest

Senior Superintendent of Police (Jalandhar Rural) Harvinder Singh confirmed that Dhillon was arrested from his Kartarpur residence on Tuesday night. His Toyota Fortuner SUV, which had a Punjab registration number, has also been seized.

#WATCH | Jalandhar, Punjab: The man who rammed his car into 114-year-old legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh has been arrested, say police SSP Rural Harvinder Singh Virk says, "The accused has been identified as Amritpal Singh Dhillon ,and he is 26 years old. He works in... twitter/FcX4lZgLsb

- ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2025

Police said that CCTV footage and broken parts of the vehicle's headlight found at the accident site helped them identify the vehicle. Investigators revealed that the SUV had changed ownership multiple times in recent years.

Accused admits speeding and panic

During police questioning, Dhillon admitted that he was driving fast because he was in a hurry for personal work. He said he panicked after hitting Fauja Singh and fled the scene without stopping to help.

"He should have stopped the vehicle and taken Fauja Singh to the hospital," said SSP Harvinder Singh. The accused also revealed that he had changed one of the tyres of his vehicle on the same day the accident happened.

Fauja Singh's final moments

According to eyewitnesses in Bias village, Fauja Singh was crossing the road when the speeding SUV struck him. The impact threw him several feet into the air. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Monday evening.

The police registered an FIR against Dhillon under sections 281 (rash driving) and 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Fauja Singh: A legend remembered

Fauja Singh was not just a marathon runner, he was a symbol of strength and determination. Born in 1911, he began long-distance running at the age of 89. Despite being born with weak legs, he went on to complete marathons in London, New York and Hong Kong.

Sardar Fauja Singh, the legendary 114 years old marathon runner . . . . . . the age could not defeat him but a road accident proved fatal today afternoonWaheguru bless the noble soul and provide eternal peace 🙏This pic when I met him last year during a 'Walkathon against... twitter/VckcSZC6Iy

- KJS DHILLON🇮🇳 (@TinyDhillon) July 14, 2025

A legend who didn't just run marathons, he ran through history 💫Rest in peace, Fauja Singh Ji 🙏❤️ twitter/nB3pEtydF9

- Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) July 15, 2025

In 2011, he became the first 100-year-old to complete a full marathon in Toronto, earning the title 'Turbaned Tornado'. Even after retiring, he continued to promote fitness and social causes.

Just last year, he had joined Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in a walkathon to raise awareness against drug abuse.

Tributes pour in from across India

Leaders from across the political spectrum paid tributes to Fauja Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Singh was 'extraordinary, not only because of his age but also because of his ability to inspire generations'.

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

I am deeply saddened by the passing of centenarian marathon legend, the globally celebrated 'Turbaned Tornado,' Fauja Singh ji life, a testament to unwavering determination and unbridled resilience, serves as a profound inspiration for fitness enthusiasts, aspiring athletes... twitter/xFsmItjAQz

- Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 15, 2025

Fauja Singh murdered ??? A hero of Punjab, hero of India, global icon, killed by a ruthless, mindless, cowardly buffoon driving a car. He must be caught & hanged. No other words. Fauja S & his family will be in my prayers. India has lost a great son. May his soul rest in peace.

- Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) July 15, 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Fauja Singh had brought pride to the Sikh community worldwide. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also expressed deep sorrow at his passing.

ਉੱਘੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਦੌੜਾਕ ਫੌਜਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਅਕਾਲ ਚਲਾਣੇ ਦੀ ਖ਼ਬਰ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਬੇਹੱਦ ਦੁੱਖ ਹੋਇਆ। ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਲੰਬੀਆਂ ਦੌੜਾਂ ਦੀ ਬਦੌਲਤ ਪੂਰੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਿੱਖ ਕੌਮ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਰੌਸ਼ਨ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਦੇ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡੀ ਉਮਰ ਦੇ ਦੌੜਾਕ ਫੌਜਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਸਾਡੇ ਦਿਲਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਚੇਤਿਆਂ 'ਚ ਜਿਉਂਦੇ ਰਹਿਣਗੇ। ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਤੇ ਚਾਹੁੰਣ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ... twitter/deg3GKxoc8

- Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) July 15, 2025

On Tuesday, the Punjab Assembly observed a moment of tribute, led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh.

A loss felt worldwide

Fauja Singh's death is being mourned not just in India but around the world. Known for his quiet strength and remarkable endurance, Singh had spent most of his athletic years in the UK before returning to Punjab after retirement.

RIP Fauja Singh Ji who passed away at 114. He took up running after losing his wife & son, turning grief into purpose. He dedicated his life to his Sikh faith (seva) raising over £100,000 for charity 100 he was the world's oldest marathon runner. A beacon of inspiration 🙏🏽 twitter/GkjLXiMmY8

- Monika Plaha (@monikaplaha) July 14, 2025

Fauja Singh was a global icon embodiment of Chardi Kala - "Rising Spirits".At age 93 he completed a full marathon went on to set world records, sign deals with global brands like Adidas and have children's books published about him Turbaned Tornado inspired... twitter/JHzGs8NGwh

- Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) July 14, 2025

His journey from a village in Punjab to international marathon tracks inspired millions. His life was a message: age is no barrier when there is determination.

(With inputs from news agencies)

MENAFN16072025007385015968ID1109807327