When you think of legends, a few names come to mind: Sachin Tendulkar in cricket, Lata Mangeshkar in music, and when it comes to running marathons — Fauja Singh, the unbeatable, ever-smiling “Turbaned Tornado” who defies age and gravity with every step. But what happens when a living icon known for dodging aging gets hit — literally?
In a twist that feels more like a plot from a Netflix docu-thriller than a news headline, Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner at 112 years (yes, you read that right), was reportedly injured in a hit-and-run accident in Jalandhar. The accused? An NRI named Amritpal Dhillon, who was quickly arrested after the incident made headlines and public outrage exploded faster than a viral meme.
Who Is Fauja Singh? (For the Gen Zs still wondering)
For those who just got here from TikTok and are thinking, “Fauja who?”, let us jog your memory — pun totally intended.
Fauja Singh is no ordinary human. This Sikh superman laced up his sneakers at the age of 89 and went on to run marathons across the globe, becoming a Guinness World Record holder and a source of inspiration to athletes half, or even a quarter, of his age. He ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in just over 5 hours — at 100 years old!
His secret? Simple food, spirituality, discipline, and maybe a magical pair of running shoes. Brands chased him, documentaries followed him, and fitness gurus bowed to his routine. He’s more famous than some influencers with blue ticks.
Which makes this accident all the more shocking.
The Incident That Shook the Nation (and Our Faith in Drivers)
The accident took place in Jalandhar, Punjab, where Fauja Singh was visiting a spiritual retreat and engaging in his usual brisk morning walk, which for most people would qualify as a cardio workout from hell.
According to eyewitnesses, a luxury SUV came out of nowhere and struck the sprightly centenarian. Thankfully, his injuries were minor, and Singh, true to his iron-willed self, is recovering well — sipping warm haldi milk and probably planning his next run.
The driver? Amritpal Dhillon, an NRI from Canada, who allegedly fled the scene, only to be later nabbed by Punjab Police thanks to CCTV footage and a string of angry tweets from fans who clearly weren’t ready to see their hero go down like this.
Who is Amritpal Dhillon and Why Was He Even in Jalandhar?
Reports suggest that Amritpal was in India on a family visit and had attended a late-night function. Whether the hit was due to speeding, distraction, or plain recklessness is still under investigation. However, it’s been revealed that the SUV was registered under a relative’s name, adding another layer to this unfolding drama.
Social media detectives wasted no time digging through Amritpal’s Instagram, where they found the usual NRI blend of Dubai skylines, Lamborghinis, and shayari in captions — all now flooded with angry emoji reactions and comments like, “Tu Fauja Singh se takra gaya, bro. Karma aayega bhaag ke.”
The Aftermath: Public Rage, Political Commentary & Meme Wars
The incident has triggered nationwide rage. After all, you don’t just hit Fauja Singh and walk away.
- Senior politicians, including sports ministers and celebrities, condemned the incident.
- Social media lit up with hashtags like #JusticeForFauja and #FaujaSinghZindabaad.
- Even fitness influencers like Milind Soman and Rujuta Diwekar shared heartfelt messages.
- A meme war erupted, with jokes ranging from “Fauja Singh got hit, but the SUV took the damage” to “Even the car must’ve apologized.”
Meanwhile, Fauja Singh’s family issued a simple statement: “He’s fine, and he’s already talking about walking again.”
We believe him.
What This Means for Road Safety (And Our Senior Citizens)
Behind the headlines and humor lies a serious concern — road safety in India. Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed in traffic accidents, and senior citizens are particularly vulnerable.
Add to that:
- Speeding vehicles,
- Lack of designated pedestrian zones,
- Poor street lighting,
- And distracted drivers more focused on playlists than pedestrians.
If someone like Fauja Singh isn’t safe, then honestly, who is?
Authorities have now tightened checks, especially on visiting NRIs and their driving records. There’s also growing demand for harsher punishment for hit-and-run drivers, particularly when they try to flee the scene.
The Legal Angle: What’s Next for the Accused?
Amritpal Dhillon has been booked under Sections 279 (rash driving) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life) of the IPC. Depending on the police investigation and medical report, additional charges may follow.
His passport has reportedly been confiscated, and a non-bailable clause may be added if the case escalates.
Meanwhile, lawyers are arguing whether he should be tried as a regular citizen or under more stringent rules given the public impact of the incident. Legal debates are flying faster than his SUV ever did.
What Fauja Singh Teaches Us (Yet Again)
Even in the face of an accident, Fauja Singh is a symbol of resilience, grace, and calm. According to sources, he reportedly told the nurse at the hospital:
“Chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hain, beta. Bas agle hafte walk pe chalte hain.”
Translation: “These little things happen. Let’s go for a walk next week.”
That’s peak grandpa energy mixed with superhero vibes. The man just can’t be slowed down — not by age, not by gravity, and certainly not by a speeding SUV.
Final Thoughts: You Can Hit a Legend, But You Can’t Break One
This incident may have bruised Fauja Singh’s knee, but not his spirit — and certainly not the love of the millions who see him as a symbol of what the human spirit can achieve when driven by simplicity, faith, and fierce determination.
As he recovers, fans worldwide are urging for a national honor or even a commemorative run in his name once he’s back on his feet.
Meanwhile, we say this to Amritpal and every careless driver out there — if you ever find yourself in a car near a walking legend, slow down, roll down your window, and maybe ask for an autograph instead.
Because some people don’t just walk the earth — they inspire it with every step.
#JusticeForFauja #LegendOnHisFeet #TurbanedTornadoForever
