Indian marathon legend Singh, 114, was struck by a car while crossing the road in his village near Jalandhar, Punjab. He suffered severe head injuries and was taken to the hospital but did not survive. The driver fled the scene without stopping to help.

Punjab police immediately reviewed surveillance footage and collected headlight fragments from the scene. After several days of investigation, they identified the suspect as 26-year-old Amritpal Singh Dhillon, an Indian national residing in Canada.

Dhillon was arrested on 15/7 at his home in Dasupur village, 20 km from the accident site. He appeared before a local court the following day and was remanded into custody pending further investigation.

Dhillon has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and dangerous driving. The vehicle involved in the accident has been impounded.

Fauja Singh (left) and suspect Amritpal Singh Dhillon (right).

Dhillon initially claimed he was unaware of hitting Singh and only realized the severity of the incident after seeing a news report. He admitted to panicking and fleeing the scene instead of providing assistance. Overcome with guilt, Dhillon returned home and was subsequently arrested in Dasupur village, approximately 20 km from the scene.

Dhillon told police that Singh was crossing the highway and he couldn't stop in time due to his speed. He was returning home from Bhogpur, a 16 km journey that passes through Beas Pind village.

The police report indicates the vehicle was speeding and Singh might have survived if the driver had taken him to the hospital instead of fleeing. Authorities are continuing their investigation.

Dhillon traveled to Canada on a tourist visa 8 years ago. He remained there and obtained a work permit, valid until 2027. He works in construction and his two sisters also live in Canada.

Having lost his passport, Dhillon returned to India on 23/6 using an emergency certificate issued by diplomatic authorities. This is a special entry procedure for lost identification documents abroad. Less than three weeks after his return, he faces charges related to the death of one of the country's greatest sporting icons.

Fauja Singh, aged 100 in 2011, believed to be the world's oldest marathon runner. *Photo: EPA*

Singh's son, Harbinder, said the driver should have stopped to help his father. "We wouldn't have filed a complaint if my father had survived. But he should have stopped," he said.

Singh's funeral is planned in his hometown in Punjab, following Sikh traditions. The family said the ceremony will be simple and intimate, reflecting his personality.

Hong Duy (*Times of India*)