New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS): A 24-year-old youth, accused of killing a man in Australia five years ago, has requested a Delhi court that he be tried in India, saying he fears for his life if tried in Australia. He has pleaded against extradition for trial.

Puneet Puneet has been on the run since the accident five years ago when he lost control of his car. He struck two pedestrians in Melbourne Oct 2008. One of them died, while the other suffered serious injuries.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sheetal Chaudhary Friday sent Puneet Puneet to judicial custody till Dec 18. He was produced in the court by Punjab Police who had arrested him Nov 29. He had earlier been remanded in judicial custody by a Rajpura court in Punjab.

"Because of the racist attitude of Australians towards Indian citizens, as evident from the fact that they are taking keen interest in extradition of the accused, by announcing an award of Australian $100,000," Puneet Puneet said in his plea.

Even Australia-based websites say that the accused will be in imminent danger of being killed or harmed seriously, the plea said.

The accused apprised the court that he would be put behind bars for 40 years, if convicted in the case, as per the Red Corner Notice circulated by the Australian government.