Australia starts process to seek extradition of Indian fugitive
The Australian government has started the process to secure extradition of Australian fugitive Puneet, 24, wanted in a 2009 hit-and-run case Down Under and carrying $1-lakh (Rs 62.45 lakh) reward on his arrest, who was caught in Panipat a fortnight ago.
The Australian government has started the process to secure extradition of Australian fugitive Puneet, 24, wanted in a 2009 hit-and-run case Down Under and carrying $1-lakh (Rs 62.45 lakh) reward on his arrest, who was caught in Panipat a fortnight ago.
An Interpol red corner notice against him was out when he escaped from Australia on being sentenced to seven-year imprisonment for killing a youth (19) and injuring his friend in 2009. Before moving to Australia, Puneet lived in Panchkula in Haryana.
"As per the process, we will take Puneet to Delhi on Thursday, as the Patiala House court has issued a production warrant against the accused. At Delhi, Puneet will face the extradition case filed by the Australian government," said SSP Hardial Singh Mann.
The court has directed the Patiala police to produce Puneet before the Patiala House Court before 2pm of December 13.
In 2009, Puneet was convicted in Southbank, Australia. Without serving the sentence, he fled to India, using the passport of a friend who was, later, jailed for preventing justice.
It was last year that the Australian police announced the reward for any tip leading to Puneet's arrest. The Indian police also published advertisements in the local newspapers to invite information.
A red corner warrant was issued against the accused since 2009, when he fled from Austraila after being convicted for seven years in a hit-and-run case in which one person had died and another was injured.