Punjab Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the tragic hit-and-run incident that led to the death of world-renowned centenarian marathon runner Fauja Singh.
The accused has been identified as Amritpal Singh, a resident of Dasupur village in the Kartarpura sub-division of Jalandhar district. According to officials, Amritpal had recently returned from Canada just eight days ago and purchased a white Toyota Fortuner (PB 20C7100) from a Kapurthala resident.
The 114-year-old athlete, famously known as the ‘Turbaned Tornado’, was struck by the SUV on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday. He sustained fatal head injuries in the incident and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared dead.
Police launched an intensive probe soon after the accident and managed to identify and seize the vehicle earlier today. The accused driver was taken into custody shortly after.
Fauja Singh, a global symbol of endurance and determination, had inspired countless individuals with his marathon achievements well past the age of 100. His sudden and tragic death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the sporting world and the Sikh community worldwide.
An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
