Salman Khan hit-and-run case more than 10 years ago has brought the Bollywood superstar into deep trouble after he was proven guilty of homicide in a hit-and-run incident in Mumbai. On Wednesday, Salman Khan, hit-and-run case was closed after the Indian court convicted the actor for five years imprisonment.
Salman Khan hit-and-run case made him liable for killing one person and injuring the other four, who are all homeless. On the same day, Khan's lawyer, Shrikant Shivade stated that two hours following Khan's ruling, Bombay High Court allowed him an "interim bail" for two days that ends until Friday, the WSJ reports.
After Khan pleaded not guilty consistently over the years, Indian judge DW Deshpande told the court, "After going through the arguments put forth by both sides, I have come to the conclusion that five years is proper punishment."
While hearing the reading of the judge's decision of Salman Khan hit-and-run case that was heard several times for 12 years, Khan was seen shocked and confused while he was surrounded by his family. According to Shivade, Khan faces charges of culpable homicide for a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail.
Aside from Salman Khan hit-and-run case, he was also found convicted for rash and negligent driving, causing hurt by endangering life and drunk driving, and driving while under the influence of alcohol, without a license.
Salman Khan hit-and-run case happened in 2002, when the Khan, who's driving his Land Cruiser, ran over into a group of homeless men laying on the street in Mumbai. In March, Khan's driver, Ashok Singh admitted to court that he was the one driving the SUV when the tire blasted and lost steering and brakes.
However, despite Singh's claim in court, Special Public Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat claimed that Khan's driver was telling a lie.
According to the Guardian, several witnesses including those who were also victims of Salman Khan hit-and-run had testified that the actor was really the one driving when the incident happened in September 2002.
As frequent hearings were heard in court for Salman Khan hit-and-run case, Shivade claimed that his client was suffering from a neurological condition. Khan's lawyer also defended him by saying that Khan has given a lot to help charities.
Salman Khan starred in over 100 films since he started acting in 1980s. His popular movies include "Maine Pyar Kiya" (I Fell in Love), "Ek Tha Tiger," "Jai Ho," and "Da Bang" among others.
From his recent movie starring roles, Khan contributed a total of more than a billion rupees ($15.7 million) in national ticket sales. Khan has an upcoming movie entitled "Bajrangi Bhaijaan," which is slated to be seen later this year.
At the height of Salman Khan hit-and-run case decision, one of Khan's victims, Abdullah Rauf Shaikh, who lost a leg, stated that "compensation matters more than conviction, my health and work suffered."
