Blackbuck poaching case: Salman Khan convicted

It was just yesterday that we brought to you that Salman Khan was en route Jodhpur for the hearing of the verdict regarding his 1998 Blackbuck poaching case. The verdict is now out and it states that the actor has been convicted. The actor, along with his 'Hum Saath - Saath Hain' co-stars, Sonali Bendre, Saif Ali Khan and Tabu was accused of killing two Blackbucks in the Kankani village near Jodhpur during the shooting of the film. They have been charged under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The actor, earlier has been convicted in two poaching cases but the Rajasthan high court later acquitted him in both the cases. The prosecution has, however, filed appeals against all these acquittals and the cases are pending at various stages in different courts. Regarding his ongoing Blackbuck poaching case, Salman has now been convicted while the court acquitted all the others involved in the case.

Jodhpur District Presiding Officer Devkumar Khatri pronounced the judgment while holding off on awarding the quantum of punishment for Salman right away. The sentencing, however, is expected to be announced shortly. Co-accused, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre and Tabu were present in court during pronouncement of the verdict. There are two other accused in the case, travel agent Dushyant Singh and Dinesh Gawre, Salman's assistant at the time. Gawre is still absconding. "Argument on quantum of punishment is on. Salman Khan's counsels are praying for probation," NS Solanki, a co-accused's lawyer, told a news agency.

Salman is facing charges under Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the other actors have been charged under Section 51 read with Section 149 (unlawful assembly) of the Indian Penal Code. The maximum punishment under Section 51 is six years. H M Saraswat, the defence counsel for Salman Khan, said there are many loopholes in the prosecution's case and the prosecution has failed to prove the case beyond any doubt. The defence is now seeking less than three years imprisonment and cites the actor's social work to get leniency from the court. Meanwhile, we also hear that the Bishnoi community is to yet again appeal for all those who have been acquitted. We hear now that the actor has been sentenced to five years in jail unlike the others who have been acquitted citing that Salman has been a 'habitual offender' and a penalty of Rs 10000. However, he has already appealed for bail.

This is last of the three poaching cases against Salman from 1998 that is being heard at Jodhpur trial court. Stay tuned for any updates on the same.