Fauja Singh death: hunt on for driver who ran over marathoner

Police is looking for the driver of the vehicle who ran over and killed the world’s oldest marathoner Fauja Singh on Monday, 14 July, as he was walking down the road in his native Bias village in Punjab's Jalandhar district, police said on 15 July.

Some villagers on Tuesday said it was probably an SUV which struck the 114-year-old Fauja Singh who was tossed five to seven feet in the air, they claimed.

Residents of Bias village also mourned the marathoner's death. Mahinder Singh, a villager, said the spot where the accident took place would be about 400 metres from Fauja Singh's home. "It's a highway... He was taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to injuries. We were told that an unknown vehicle tossed him 5-7 feet in the air," he said. "He was a very nice person. Everyone respected him a lot."

Another local Gurpreet Singh said after the vehicle struck Fauja Singh, he was immediately rushed to hospital. "The vehicle could be an SUV. He suffered injuries to the head and other parts of his body. The entire village has plunged into sadness after his demise. Our village got global recognition due to him," Gurpreet said.

On Tuesday, Jalandhar Police said efforts were on to trace the erring driver, who fled after the incident.

Fauja Singh's last rites are likely to be conducted after a couple of days, a family member said. "We have many relatives living abroad including in the UK and Canada. So, it may take some time before they reach," he said.

Leaders cutting across party lines condoled the marathoner's death, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on the topic of fitness.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the veteran marathon runner made the Sikh community around the world proud with his long-distance running.

"Very sad to hear about the death of famous Punjabi Sikh runner Fauja Singh ji. The world's oldest runner Fauja Singh ji, who made the Sikh community proud in the world with his long-distance running, will always live in our hearts and memories. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," Mann posted on X.

Pargat Singh, Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantt and former Indian hockey captain, said, "Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment. His legacy, however, will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier and drug-free Punjab."

Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini said the news of Fauja Singh's demise was deeply saddening. "Living a healthy lifestyle and reaching the age of 114, which seems impossible in today's era, he made possible," said Saini in a post in Hindi on X.

"His indomitable energy and message of a healthy lifestyle are a source of inspiration for us all. His life journey will continue to inspire future generations to move forward with discipline, determination, and positive thinking," the Haryana CM said.