Salman Khan granted bail in 1998 blackbuck case

JODHPUR: After the bail plea hearing held this morning in Jodhpur, superstar Salman Khan was granted bail in the 1998 blackbuck case on a personal bond of INR1 lakh by District and Sessions Court Judge Ravindra Kumar Joshi.

"Arguments were already over in the morning but Judge Joshi reserved the order for post lunch. He has to produce personal bond worth INR 50,000 plus two other sureties worth INR 25,000 each," read a statement.

Salman is expected to be released today evening after all the legal formalities are completed. Hearing the verdict, Salman's fans cheered outside the court.

PHOTO: ASIAN STYLE MAGAZINE

The District and Sessions Court Judge Ravindra Kumar Joshi who had originally reserved the bail plea hearing on Friday was transferred to Sirohi this morning.

Joshi had asked for more documents, such as files of previous ca ses heard by Rural and High Courts, a decision could be taken on the bail plea. As a result Salman had to spend another night in Jodhpur prison.

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Salman's case was presented in the sessions court on Friday by senior advocate Mahesh Bora, who came with a 51-page bail application.

He said the witnesses' statement should not be trusted in the case as they raise a benefit of doubt and questioned why only Salman had been convicted out of all co-accused.

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

Salman and other Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam allegedly went hunting on October 1-2 in 1998 outside a forest reserve near Kankani village in Jodhpur while shooting for Hum Saath Saath Hain in 1998.

While Salman was found guilty, the four co-stars and a local, Dushyant Singh, were acquitted. Chief Judicial Magistrate Dev Kumar Khatri convicted Salman under Section 9/51 of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Salman was lodged in the Jodhpur Central Jail as Qaidi No. 106.

Director of Salman's upcoming film Race 3, Remo D'Souza shared, "I am happy that he has got bail. After working with him so closely I have become a huge fan of him not only as an actor but also as a human being," reported First Post.

The film's producer Ramesh Taurani said, "For us, Salman coming out was very important. Our prayers have been answered. The shooting of Race 3 is almost over. We only have one romantic song is left, which will feature Salman and Jacqueline Fernandez."

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