Hit-run killer Puneet Puneet weeps in Indian court

HIT-run driver Puneet Puneet has claimed he would be “killed” if he was returned to Australia to face justice as he weeped loudly in a New Delhi court.

HIT-run driver Puneet Puneet has claimed he would be “killed” if he was returned to Australia to face justice.

The killer driver, whose head was bandaged, broke down in a New Delhi court where he is fighting extradition to Australia for his role in a fatal car accident.

Puneet cried “They will kill me” while weeping loudly in the courtroom.

HIT-RUN DRIVER BEGS FOR PARDON

PUNEET PUNEET DRINKS POISON IN INDIA

PUNEET PUNEET’S FATE HANGS IN BALANCE

His uncle, who was accompanying him, told the Herald Sun Puneet was under “mental pressure” and not well.

“He is mentally ill and is not able to stand properly,” Puneet’s uncle said outside court yesterday.

“Two days ago, he banged his head to the iron wall and got himself injured.”

Puneet killed Queensland man Dean Hoftsee, 19, as he sped drunk along City Rd in Southbank in 2008.

Mr Hoftsee’s friend, Clancy Coker, was also severely injured.

Puneet fled while on bail awaiting sentencing and went into hiding in India.

Puneet Puneet has claimed he would be “killed” if he was returned to Australia to face justice.

His counsel Prassana Aggarwal said Puneet was mentally disturbed and not in a position to be extradited.

The lawyer yesterday filed an application seeking Puneet’s discharge on mental health reasons.

“He is too sick to be extradited,” he told the Herald Sun.

The application was vehemently opposed by Union of India counsel Wali Bhaskar.

“This is a malicious application which holds no ground and should be immediately dismissed,” Mr Bhaskar told the court.

“If he (Puneet) is too sick and needs proper medical care, let him surrender his bail and court will send him for good medical help.”

“He is taking undue advantage of his bail.”

Judge Gurmohina Kaur said it was “utterly unacceptable” Puneet’s senior counsel wasn’t at the proceedings and directed he appear for final arguments scheduled for today.

“On your request I am giving your final date for tomorrow and in case you remained absent, you will be fined,” he said.

Puneet was bailed in June last year due to “life-threatening disease” and then continued to extend his bail.

He had to pay a $4000 bond and was ordered not to leave India without permission.

Puneet, a former hospitality student, previously said he was trying to avoid a cat when he hit Mr Hoftsee, a claim that was discredited.