Fauja Singh’s Tragic End: NRI Held for Hit-and-Run That Shocked the World
When Age Was Just a Number
You know how some people just refuse to let life box them in? Fauja Singh was like that—114 years old and still running marathons until a reckless driver cut his journey short last week. The news hit hard. I mean, here was a man who outran stereotypes for decades, only to be taken down by something as senseless as a hit-and-run. Punjab police have arrested Amritpal Singh Dhillon, an NRI with local roots, but the anger? That’s not going away anytime soon.
The Man Who Ran Circles Around Time
Picture this: a wiry old man in a turban, grinning as he crosses marathon finish lines. That was Fauja. Started running seriously at 89—basically when most folks are settling into armchairs—and didn’t stop till he was 101. They called him the “Turbaned Tornado,” which is perfect because he tore through every assumption about what old age means. His secret? “The body achieves what the mind believes.” Simple words, but try living them for a century.
How It Happened: A Morning That Turned Dark
It was just another day in Punjab. Fauja was probably out for his usual walk when that Toyota Fortuner plowed into him. And here’s the gut punch—the driver didn’t even stop. Just sped off, leaving this national treasure bleeding on the roadside. By the time help arrived, it was too late. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? How someone could hit a 114-year-old and keep driving like nothing happened.
The Suspect: Privilege Meets Consequences
Amritpal Singh Dhillon wasn’t some faceless criminal. An NRI with money and connections, the kind who probably thought he could get away with it. Well, not this time. Cops tracked his SUV through CCTV and witness accounts. Now he’s staring at charges that could land him in prison for years. But let’s be real—no sentence will bring Fauja back.
Twitter Storms and Broken Hearts
Social media went nuclear. #JusticeForFauja trended worldwide within hours. From Olympic athletes to politicians, everyone had something to say about losing a man who symbolized hope. The comments section? A mix of rage and grief. One tweet stuck with me: “We protect historical monuments better than we protect living legends.” Ouch.
What Happens Next: Courts and Accountability
Dhillon’s lawyers will probably argue it was an accident. But hit-and-run? That’s a choice. Indian law doesn’t take kindly to that, especially when the victim’s a beloved figure. The trial will be messy, no doubt. Fauja’s family just wants it over with—they’ve buried a legend and now have to endure court dates. Meanwhile, road safety activists are screaming for reforms. Maybe this tragedy will finally make someone listen.
Why Fauja Mattered More Than Records
It wasn’t just about the running. It was about stubborn joy. This was a guy who made aging look like an adventure instead of a decline. When younger runners struggled, he’d joke, “At your age, I hadn’t even started!” Now that he’s gone, the tributes keep pouring in. Paula Radcliffe called him “the grandfather of marathoners.” Fitting, because he taught us all how to finish strong.
The Takeaway: Roads Shouldn’t Be Death Traps
Here’s the thing—Fauja Singh survived two world wars, partition, and over a century of life’s curveballs. His end shouldn’t have been a speeding SUV. If anything good comes from this, maybe it’ll be stricter traffic enforcement or better pedestrian zones. Because right now? Our roads are eating our heroes alive.
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation
