On July 14, 2025, the world lost Fauja Singh, a beloved figure known as the “Turbaned Tornado” in a tragic hit-and-run accident in Punjab, India. At 114 years old, Fauja Singh was an inspiration to millions, particularly in the Indian diaspora. This article answers key questions about his life, the accident, and its broader implications to inform readers globally, including Non-Resident Indians.
Who Was Fauja Singh?
Fauja Singh was an Indian-born British national, born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, a village near Jalandhar, Punjab. He became a global icon as the world’s oldest marathon runner, earning the nickname “Turbaned Tornado” for his incredible endurance. Singh didn’t start running until he was 89, after personal tragedies, including the deaths of his wife, Gian Kaur, in the early 1990s and his son, Kuldeep, in 1994. To cope with grief, he moved to London and began running, eventually competing in nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013. His most notable achievement was becoming the first centenarian to complete a full marathon in 2011 at age 100 in Toronto, though Guinness World Records didn’t recognize it due to the lack of a birth certificate. Singh’s story of resilience inspired people worldwide, especially NRIs, showing that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.
What Was Fauja Singh Famous For?
Singh was famous for his extraordinary running career, which began late in life. Here are some highlights:
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Marathon Achievements: He ran his first marathon, the London Marathon, in 2000 at age 89, finishing in 6 hours and 54 minutes, breaking the world record for his age group by 58 minutes. He completed marathons in London, Toronto, New York, and Hong Kong, with his last competitive race being a 10-km event in Hong Kong in 2013 at age 101.
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Global Recognition: Singh was featured in Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” campaign alongside legends like Muhammad Ali and David Beckham. He carried the Olympic torch for the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Games and received the British Empire Medal in 2015 for his contributions to sport and charity.
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Inspiration for Fitness: Singh promoted a simple lifestyle, eating less, staying active, and maintaining positivity. His mantra, “Eating less, running more, and staying happy,” resonated with people globally, particularly in the Sikh community and among NRIs.
His story was not just about running but about overcoming personal loss and inspiring others to stay active and resilient, making him a cultural icon for the Indian diaspora.
What Happened to Fauja Singh?
On July 14, 2025, Fauja Singh, aged 114, was fatally injured in a hit-and-run accident in his native village of Beas Pind, near Jalandhar, Punjab. Around 3:08 PM, while crossing the Jalandhar-Pathankot national highway to visit a family-run dhaba (eatery) named after his late son, Kuldeep, Singh was struck by a speeding white Toyota Fortuner. The impact threw him 5-7 feet into the air, causing severe head injuries. Local residents and family members rushed him to a hospital in Jalandhar, but he passed away later that evening. The driver fled the scene, leaving Singh without immediate aid, which his family believes might have cost him his life. The incident shocked the global running community and the Indian diaspora, who mourned the loss of a beloved figure.
Who Was Involved in the Accident?
The driver responsible for the accident was Amritpal Singh Dhillon, a 26-year-old NRI from Canada. Here are key details about his involvement:
Background: Dhillon, originally from Dasupur village in Jalandhar’s Kartarpur area, had been living in Canada for eight years on a work permit valid until 2027. He worked in construction and had returned to India on June 23, 2025, to repair his house.
The Incident: Dhillon was driving a Punjab-registered Toyota Fortuner, which he had purchased from a Kapurthala resident. He was returning from Bhogpur after selling his mobile phone when he struck Singh. He claimed he didn’t know the victim was Fauja Singh until he saw news reports later that night.
Arrest and Investigation: Punjab Police arrested Dhillon on July 15, 2025, within 30 hours of the incident. They used CCTV footage and fragments of the vehicle’s headlight to identify the Fortuner. Dhillon confessed to driving at high speed and fleeing in panic, fearing legal consequences or mob violence. He was charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and rash driving under Sections 281 and 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A Jalandhar court remanded him to judicial custody for two weeks.
Singh’s son, Harvinder, expressed that the family might not have pursued legal action if Dhillon had stopped to help, highlighting the moral failure of fleeing the scene.
What Are the Legal Recourses for Hit-and-Run Cases in India?
In India, hit-and-run cases are serious offenses, but systemic issues often complicate justice. Here’s an overview of legal recourse in India and its relevance for NRIs in host countries:
Legal Framework in India: Hit-and-run cases are governed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code in 2023. Section 105 addresses culpable homicide not amounting to murder, with penalties up to seven years in prison. Section 281 covers rash driving, with imprisonment up to six months or a fine. In Fauja Singh’s case, Dhillon faces these charges. India’s Motor Vehicles Act also imposes stricter penalties for hit-and-runs since 2019, with up to seven years’ imprisonment for causing death.
Challenges in India: Despite legal provisions, hit-and-run cases often go unresolved due to police inefficiencies, lack of evidence, or drivers fleeing out of fear of mob violence or legal entanglement. In 2022, over 30,400 people died in hit-and-run accidents in India, accounting for 18.2% of road traffic deaths, per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. Experts note that poor road infrastructure, lack of pedestrian pathways, and a “no fear of law” culture contribute to such incidents.
Legal Recourse for NRIs in Host Countries: For NRIs, understanding legal recourse in their host countries is crucial, as similar incidents can occur abroad. In countries like Canada, the UK, or the US, hit-and-run laws vary but typically involve:
Criminal Charges: Fleeing an accident scene is a criminal offense. In Canada, under the Criminal Code, failing to stop after an accident causing bodily harm or death can lead to up to seven years in prison. In the UK, the Road Traffic Act mandates reporting accidents, with penalties including fines, license points, or imprisonment. In the US, penalties depend on state laws but can include jail time, fines, and license suspension.
Civil Liability: Victims or their families can pursue compensation through civil lawsuits for medical costs, pain, or loss of life. NRIs can seek assistance from Indian embassies or consulates for legal guidance in host countries.
Community Advocacy: NRIs can advocate for better road safety and stricter enforcement through community organizations or by engaging with local authorities in their host countries, drawing lessons from cases like Singh’s.
Why Does This Incident Matter for NRIs?
Fauja Singh’s death resonates deeply with NRIs because he was a global Sikh icon who lived in the UK for decades, representing the diaspora’s pride and resilience. His tragic end highlights several issues relevant to NRIs:
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Safety Concerns: The incident underscores the risks of road accidents in India, where NRIs often visit or maintain ties. It prompts NRIs to advocate for better pedestrian infrastructure and legal accountability in India and their host countries.
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Cultural Loss: Singh’s legacy as a symbol of fitness and perseverance inspired NRIs to stay connected to their roots while breaking stereotypes abroad. His death is a reminder to preserve and celebrate such figures within the diaspora.
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Community Response: The global outpouring, from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to NRIs on platforms like X, reflects Singh’s impact. NRIs can use this moment to raise awareness about road safety and support for elderly community members.
How Can NRIs Stay Informed and Safe?
For NRIs seeking to learn from this tragedy:
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Stay Updated: Follow diaspora-focused media like the NRI News Club or Indian news outlets for updates on such incidents.
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Road Safety Awareness: When visiting India, NRIs should be cautious on highways, advocate for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and support campaigns for stricter traffic laws.
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Legal Preparedness: Understand local laws in both India and host countries regarding accidents. Indian consulates can provide resources for NRIs facing legal issues abroad.
Fauja Singh’s life and tragic death serve as a powerful reminder of resilience, the fragility of life, and the need for accountability on the roads. His legacy will continue to inspire NRIs and people worldwide to live actively and fearlessly, just as he did.
Sources : Times of India - [July 15-18, 2025], BBC News - [July 15, 2025], NDTV - [July 15, 2025], India Today - [July 19-20, 2025], Hindustan Times - [July 16, 2025], The Indian Express - [July 15-16, 2025], The Hindu - [July 15, 2025], ESPN - [July 15, 2025], The Guardian - [July 15, 2025], Al Jazeera - [July 15, 2025], Firstpost - [July 16, 2025], DESIblitz - [July 16, 2025], Posts on X - [July 14-16, 2025]
