Mumbai: Thirteen years after being named in the case, actor Salman Khan was on Thursday acquitted of all charges in the 2002 hit-and-run case. Dressed in black and white check shirt and jeans, Salman broke down in the courtroom after the verdict was announced.
His sister Arpita and manager Reshma Shetty were present in the courtroom along with the Salman.
Soon after the verdict, there was commotion in the courtroom with everyone including the lawyers present rushing forward to catch a glimpse of the actor.
The accident took place on September 28, 2002 in which one pavement dweller died and four others were injured. While dictating the order, the Bombay High Court said that it is the considered view of the court that the prosecution has failed to establish its case on all charges.
The court said that considering various shortcomings of the prosecution, the omissions and contradictions in evidence of injured witnesses which go to root of matter, doubt arises over the involvement of appellant accused. The court said that the appellant cannot be convicted on the basis of the given evidence.
The court pointed out that investigation into the case was conducted in a faulty manner with scant regard to procedures laid down. "Procedure required chain of evidence when case is based on biological evidence. There were some loose ends in the investigation and the benefit is required to be given in favour of the accused. It is duty of the court to sift evidence and see that offences are proved against accused beyond reasonable doubt."
"Considered view of this court is that appreciation done by the trial court is not proper and legal as per criminal jurisprudence. The trial court erred in accepting the bills recovered without panchnama."
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