Family of son killed in hit-run disappointed after killer Puneet Puneet granted bail in India

The family of the teenager killed in a hit-and-run say they are extremely disappointed an Indian court granted their son's killer bail.

Puneet Puneet was on bail in Victoria awaiting his sentencing over the 2008 death of 19-year-old Dean Hofstee in Melbourne when he fled on a friend's passport.

He was a learner driver behind the wheel of a V6 Commodore, drunk and speeding when he lost control of the car and mounted the footpath, killing Hoftsee and seriously injuring another student, Clancy Coker.

He had been in custody in India since September 2021.

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"He pleaded guilty to culpable driving and he killed my son," Hoftsee's father, Peter, said.

"If he had been held in custody maybe we would have seen an outcome quicker."

The fugitive's lawyers said the 33-year-old needed to be allowed to go home to care for his sick and elderly parents.

According to court documents, Puneet's father had surgery in June and needs his son's help.

"I don't think his needs outweigh the fact he should be facing justice over here," Hoftsee said.

"We would like to see it finalised and brought to its end, so it's a bit traumatising to relive it each time."

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Despite the objections, Puneet was granted bail by the Delhi High Court on July 7.

His bail conditions include a surety of 20,000 rupees ($366), he must surrender his passport and is not allowed to leave India, and he must give authorities his phone number and have the device switched on 24 hours a day.

The next extradition hearing is scheduled for October 17 at Delhi High Court.

Puneet is fighting extradition, claiming he would be tortured in Australia, arguing it is a racist country.

He pleaded guilty in 2009 to culpable driving causing death before he fled Australia later that year.