THE father of an Indian man who was captured after years on the run says his son fled Australia because he was afraid for his life.

Puneet Puneet, now 24, was arrested last month in India, four years after skipping out on a sentencing hearing for culpable driving in 2009.

The hospitality student was drunk and driving at high speeds when he hit and killed Dean Hofstee, 19, and seriously injured Clancy Coker, 20, in Southbank in Melbourne on October 1, 2008. Police last year issued a $100,000 reward for help in finding Puneet and bringing him to justice.

Speaking from India, Puneet's father, Naresh Rawel, says his son will not fight his extradition to Australia, but he will not be safe.

"He fled because there was a danger to his life there. He was beaten and tortured," he told Fairfax Media.

"His laptop and other belongings were snatched. The situation forced him to flee as he didn't have any other options." Mr Rawel said Indians were treated differently in Australia. "I do not think he will be safe there. He is not an accused, he is a victim," he said.

"Accidents take place. The accident in which he was involved was a mistake. But there are many Indians killed in Australia but nobody cares about them. The Indian government is doing nothing to rescue them." Mr Rawel said his family was devastated.

"His mother is in a state of shock, she just wants her son back," he said.

"He is my only son, we all depend on his fortune." Victoria Police say it will be up to Indian authorities to determine whether Puneet should be extradited to Australia.

Puneet is expected to face court in India this week.