Father of man killed by Puneet Puneet urges federal government to bring him to justice

The father of a young man killed by drunk hit-run driver Puneet Puneet is pleading for the federal government to intervene – like it has for the Bali 5– and demand India brings the fugitive back to finally face justice.

The father of a young man killed by drunk hit-run driver Puneet Puneet has pleaded for the federal government to intervene – like it has for the Bali 5 – and demand India brings the fugitive back to finally face justice.

Peter Hofstee said Puneet, who fled to his native country in June 2009 after being convicted of killing 19-year-old Dean Hofstee, was “playing the system well” but it was time for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to say “enough is enough”.

It comes after Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton visited Mr Hofstee at his Queensland home to vow the force would stop at nothing to bring the killer back to Melbourne.

“It was the first time ever that Mr Patton had come to see me and he gave me an assurance that they wouldn’t give up on bringing Puneet Puneet back to Australia to face justice,” Mr Hofstee said.

“It’s good that Victoria Police is still taking an active role in the matter, but they can only do so much.

“The federal government really should be pushing the Indian government to intervene. But they don’t have the gumption to do that.”

Puneet Puneet fled to India in 2009.

He remains free despite pleading guilty to culpable driving.

He added: “The federal government prefers to pretend the relationship with India is really good. But if that was the case, they would have returned him by now.

“This government doesn’t like confronting unpleasant issues. But if they can do it for the Bali 5, why can’t they do it for Puneet.

“They should be wanting to see the right thing done.”

Puneet, a learner driver at the time, admits he drank four whiskeys and coke at a party in Nunawading before getting behind the wheel of his V8 Holden Commodore. He then sped at 150km/h along City Road in Southbank, where he mowed down Dean Hofstee. He also caused serious head and leg injuries to Mr Hofstee’s friend, Clancy Coker.

Puneet fled the scene but was caught a short time later and blew 0.165. He later said he swerved to avoid a cat that had darted across the road.

He pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death in February 2009 but was given bail and fled to India on a co-worker’s passport before being sentenced.

He was rearrested on his wedding day in India in 2013 but to this day remains free – despite having 157 court hearings in India.

Dean Hofstee was killed by a drunk and speeding Puneet.

Puneet has argued he is not safe in Australia because of inherent racism and that he is gravely ill.

In 2021 a court did order his extradition but Puneet’s wife then laid domestic violence charges against him and local law dictates that must be dealt with before he can be removed.

An Indian law expert said the average case time for such cases to resolve was four to six years.

His last court appearance was on December 2, where the case was adjourned until 25 March 2025. That will be 5,769 days since he fled Australia.

Mr Hofstee said he is “playing the system well”.

“He’s had 157 court appearances and he’s legally represented. You have to speculate how he is affording it,” Mr Hofstee said.

“We’d like to see him back here but it’s really a federal issue. It’s up to them to push the issue.”

He added: “The net will close soon. I hope.”

Peter Hofstee wants Anthony Albanese to finally bring Puneet to justice.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the force wanted to secure justice.

“Victoria Police has never given up on its fight to bring Puneet Puneet back to Australia,” he said.

“It’s been more than 16 years since Dean Hofstee was tragically killed and we want to secure justice for his family.

“That is why it was really important that I personally visited the Hofstee family to assure them that we have not forgotten.”

He added: “We will continue to work with state and federal authorities to secure Puneet’s return to Australia.”

The federal government would only confirm Puneet will next appear in court in March.