Killer hit-run driver Puneet Puneet surrenders in India
The hit-run driver who fled to India when he killed a student in Melbourne has surrendered to police, 13 years after turning fugitive.
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Killer hit-run driver Puneet Puneet has surrendered to authorities in India.
The move came weeks after a court in that country green-lit the extradition to Australia of Puneet, 13 years after he killed a young student in Melbourne.
Puneet turned fugitive in 2009 after he crashed into Gold Coast man Dean Hofstee on City Rd, Melbourne.
The 19-year-old L-plater was drunk and speeding when he caused the fatal injuries to Mr Hofstee, who was in Melbourne for the Australian University Games, on the night of October 1, 2008.
Mr Hofstee’s mate Clancy Coker, 20, was severely injured in the impact.
Puneet pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death and negligent driving in February, 2009, but bolted overseas on a mate’s passport later that year.
He was on bail at the time.
Australian authorities, including the Victoria Police major collision investigation unit, have fought a convoluted legal battle to have Puneet brought back to Australia since his arrest in India in 2013.
He has in the past claimed that he would not be safe in Australia, at one stage citing racism as a factor.
Puneet has also used illness to try to avoid court appearances.
A New Delhi District Court magistrate recently recommended that he be sent back to Australia to face justice.
Had he not turned fugitive, Puneet would most likely have already served any Victorian prison term over the death of Mr Hofstee, 19.
Victoria Police confirmed Puneet was remanded into custody in India on Thursday.
“The matter has been adjourned and it is expected he will re-appear on Friday 10 September, a spokeswoman said.
“While the extradition process continues, Victoria Police will not make any further comment.”
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