New Delhi: After the prosecution failed to prove Salman Khan was involved in a drunken driving case more than 13 years ago, questioned are being raised across the country as to who was driving the SUV on that ill-fated night, which left one pavement dweller dead and four others critically injured following an accident.
As soon as the Bombay High Court overturned the sessions court verdict there was massive outrage among general public even as his fans celebrated his acquittal. On September 28, 2002, Salman's SUV allegedly lost its control at Mumbai's Hill Road and the vehicle ran over the pavement dwellers before it could be brought under control.
Many took to social media and spewed venom against Salman and the investigation officers for their inefficiency in handling the case.
Special Public Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat told CNN-IBN that there are many loopholes in his (Salman) lawyer's claim.
"There's no question of disappointment because it is the right of the accused or the convict to challenge the order of the sessions court before the Honourable High Court," he said. However, Amit Desai, Salman Khan's lawyer, said that they are very glad with the outcome.
Salman, who reportedly broke down following the HC order, later tweeted, "I accept the decision of the judiciary with humility. I thank my family, friends & fans for their support & prayers."
Many feel that Salman got away because he is rich and famous, while some are planning to file a petition before the court for reconsidering the case.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the government will study the Bombay High Court's decision over Salman's acquittal and then they will decide on the future course of action.
One tweet read, "The arm of the law is long ... but not long enough to touch the rich and powerful." Another expressed ire and tweeted, "Close sources reveal Salman Khan wanted to drive after coming out from the court but his dad asked the bodyguards to tie his hands on back."
Some of them while taking a reference from his movie 'Jai Ho'- where he waged a battle to save ordinary people from threats of corruption and injustice – criticised him of not so 'being human'.
Be it friends, jubilant fans or opinion makers, Salman's verdict has invited a mass debate on whether there should be a re-investigation on who was actually driving the SUV on that ill-fated night.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher stood by Salman and tweeted, "So happy that @BeingSalmanKhan is acquitted of all charges. Truth Prevails. Even if it takes 13 long years. :)."
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> Director Anees Bazmee, who has worked with the Salman in movies like "No Entry" and "Ready", welcomed the verdict and tweeted, "God bless you @BeingSalmanKhan :)."
BJP leader Shaina NC, treasurer of party's Maharashtra unit, too came forward in support of the court's verdict. Her tweet reads, "Individual culpability dpnds on evidence nt public perception or media trial or presumption of guilt.Judicial mind judges @BeingSalmanKhan."
Bollywood Singer Mika Singh expressed his happiness and tweeted, "Congrats big bro @BeingSalmanKhan :) God bless you :)."
Renowned film maker Subhash Ghai said, "God is always kind to good human beings, @BeingSalmanKhan with god’s blessings is freed today from a hanging sword for thirteen years.cheers."
Another Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit thanked Salman's lawyers for "brilliantly fighting the case". "Will all those, who till now haunted, humiliated, abused @BeingSalmanKhan, apologize to him & his family after this verdict?#SalmanWalksFree," Pandit tweeted.
With reactions and criticism pouring in from all spheres of the society, it seems that trouble is not yet over for Salman Khan in coming days and the mystery still remains that - if not Salman Khan, than who actually ran over 5 people in 2002.
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