In a shocking turn of events, Punjab Police have arrested a 30-year-old Canada-based NRI, Amritpal Singh, for his alleged role in a hit-and-run accident that caused the death of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh, popularly referred to as the ‘Turbaned Tornado’.
According to officials, Amritpal Singh had come to India only eight days ago from Canada. He allegedly purchased a white Toyota Fortuner (registration PB 20C 7100) from a resident in Kapurthala immediately after his arrival. The accident occurred on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday.
Punjab Police took prompt action and were able to trace the SUV used in the act. The vehicle was seized by the authorities earlier today, and it proved instrumental in tracing and arresting the suspect.
Victim Rushed to Hospital, Died of Injuries
As per preliminary reports, Fauja Singh, 114 years old, got badly hurt on his head when he was hit by the SUV. He was quickly taken to the nearest hospital, but sadly died a short while later.
The accident shocked not only Punjab but also the global running community that had admired Fauja Singh for his late-age athleticism and inspiring story. Fauja Singh, who hailed from Punjab, earned the nickname ‘Turbaned Tornado’ after setting multiple age-group records in marathons worldwide.
Accused Hails from Jalandhar District
Police identified that the accused, Amritpal Singh, is a resident of Dasupur village of Kartarpura sub-division of Jalandhar district. Investigators disclosed that Singh was residing in Punjab after his arrival and was not known to have any previous criminal record in the area.
An official talking to Hindustan Times stated, “Singh had arrived from Canada eight days ago and bought a white Toyota Fortuner (PB 20C 7100) recently from a Kapurthala resident.”
Officials are now finalizing procedures to file charges against the accused under the appropriate sections of the Indian Penal Code about rash driving, negligence, and culpable homicide not being murder.
