Superstar Salman Khan is officially breathing a sigh of relief. The Bombay High Court ruled Salman not guilty in a 2002 fatal hit-and-run incident, overturning an earlier verdict from a lower court that sentenced Salman to five years in prison.
According to the high court, it could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Salman was drinking and driving on the night of the incident.
“On the basis of evidences produced by the prosecution, [Salman Khan] cannot be convicted, no matter how differently the common man thinks,” the judge said.
The actor reportedly broke down in tears upon hearing the news of his acquittal and later tweeted his gratitude:
I accept the decision of the judiciary with humility. I thank my family, friends & fans for their support & prayers .
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) December 10, 2015
Meanwhile, fans celebrated outside the actor’s home in Bandra and cheered when he returned from court. Industry cohorts like Anupam Kher, Adnan Sami, Subhash Ghai and Mika Singh have also expressed support for Salman.
So happy that @BeingSalmanKhan is acquitted of all charges. Truth Prevails. Even if it takes 13 long years.:)
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) December 10, 2015
#SalmanVerdict Heartiest Congratulations to my dear bro @BeingSalmanKhan ! Celebrating with #DRUMSOFCELEBRATION !??? pic.twitter.com/xghWqKoOlG
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) December 10, 2015
God is always kind to good human beings, @BeingSalmanKhan with gods blessings is freed today from a hanging sword for thirteen years.cheers?
— Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) December 10, 2015
Congrats big bro @BeingSalmanKhan 🙂 God bless you 🙂 pic.twitter.com/d2kZ2a3iOF
— King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) December 10, 2015
In September 2002, Salman’s car ran over five sleeping people outside a Mumbai bakery. One man was killed, while four others were injured. Salman’s camp maintained that he was not behind the wheel at the time of the accident (instead, his driver was in control of the vehicle) nor was he under the influence of alcohol.
