Salman Khan Verdict
So the much anticipated judgement day has finally arrived. And it’s a bad news for Salman Khan fans as an Indian court has sentenced the actor to five years imprisonment.
In the meantime, he has been granted a two day interim bail, after the actor’s lawyers appealed before the Bombay High court stating his ill health. Salman Khan is charged with culpable homicide in the 2002 hit and run case when Salman Khan’s Toyota Land Cruiser reportedly hit the American Express bakery in the Bandra area in Mumbai, running over five people and killing one sleeping on the street.
From missing files to his driver claiming to be behind the wheels, this case saw many twists and turns in its thirteen year wait for the verdict. The Mumbai sessions court judge observed that the actor was driving the car under the influence of alcohol and was without a license. The court also dismissed the earlier claim by Khan’s driver Ashok Singh that the incident happened after a tyre burst while he was driving the car.
Witness accounts suggest the actor was guilty, however Salman Khan has denied of all charges.
The prosecution pressed on the court to increase the sentence saying that the verdict was lenient as the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 304 part II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) attracts up to 10 years in prison.
However, Salman’s lawyers put forward a balance sheet of the film star’s social welfare organisation Being Human, suggesting the actor’s involvement in charity and welfare activities should be considered. After the judgement, the actor’s lawyers claimed Khan is suffering from heart ailments and his condition might worsen if he is sent to jail.
The actor reportedly broke down inside the court.
The verdict has drawn mixed response from his fans and followers on social media. While some expressed sympathy, others applauded the judicial system.
Bollywood also took to social media to show their support for Salman Khan.
Interestingly, some shocking tweets by celebrities like Bollywood singer Abhijit Bhattacharya and jewellery designer Farah Khan created new controversy. Their insensitive remarks not only blamed the victims for the incident but ridiculed the poor who sleep on footpaths.
The 49-year old actor is one of India’s highest paid stars and holds the credit of delivering some of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters. Some of his highest grossing movies are Dabangg, Ready, Bodyguard, and Ek Tha Tiger. His role in Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aap Ke Hain Kaun is cherished by his fans even today.
This verdict has also given a shock to the producers as an estimated 300- crore is riding on Salman Khan’s films at the moment.
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