Who Is Amritpal Singh Dhillon, NRI Accused Of Killing Runner Fauja Singh

The individual who reportedly crashed his vehicle into 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh has been named Amritpal Singh Dhillon and taken into custody, authorities stated on Wednesday. The detention occurs a day after authorities confiscated a Toyota Fortuner (PB 20 C 7100), purportedly linked to the hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner.

Widely recognized as the “Turbaned Tornado,” Fauja Singh was traversing a road when a Toyota Fortuner struck him on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway and sped away on Monday afternoon. Singh sustained head injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he passed away.

Amritpal Singh Dhillon, hailing from Kartarpur in Jalandhar, resides with his family – mother and three sisters – in Canada, where he is employed as a laborer.

Dhillon relocated to Canada eight years prior, following his father’s passing. He holds a work permit for Canada until 2027 and travels to Punjab annually.

The 26-year-old accused arrived in India on June 23, this time for house repairs.

Dhillon possessed a legitimate driving license and was driving a white Toyota Fortuner registered in Punjab.

The defendant confessed to the offense and claimed he was on his way home after selling his cellphone when his vehicle struck the ace runner. The police apprehended him in his home village. During questioning, the suspect stated that he panicked after the incident, which is why he escaped, said Harvinder Singh Virk, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural.

The defendant asserts that he was unaware the victim was Fauja Singh and discovered this information via the news.