Bombay High Court acquits Salman Khan in 2002 hit-and-run case

The Bombay High Court on Thursday acquitted actor Salman Khan, who had challenged the earlier conviction and sentence of five years imposed on him by the trial court in the 2002 hit and run case.

Justice AR Joshi held that prosecution has failed to prove all charges against Salman Khan beyond a reasonable doubt. There were several infirmities and improvements in the testimony of witnesses, including the injured, and star prosecution witness deceased constable Ravindra Patil.

The court while allowing the appeal and quashing the conviction, rapped the Bandra police for the callous investigation carried out by them.

The court has also held that the prosecution is not able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and the trial court had erred in wrongly appreciating the evidence brought on record by the prosecution.

Salman Khan who is presently out on bail, was asked to appear in court and the judgement was read out to him. He shall continue his freedom, while the state government contemplates whether to appeal against the acquittal in the apex court.