Salman Khan's 2002 hit-and-run case intensifies

May 6, 2014 Jay Mamtora

Salman Khan appeared in court today 6 May 2014

Spelling trouble for controversy's favourite child Salman Khan, two witnesses in the 2002 hit-and-run case today (Tuesday 6 May 2014) identified him in a sessions court in Mumbai.

One of the witnesses said he had seen Salman alighting from his SUV on the night of 28 September 2002, after the vehicle mowed down five pavement dwellers — killing one and injuring four others — near a bakery in suburban Bandra.

In an unexpected twist, one of them even testified that Salman was in an inebriated state and stumbled while coming out of his vehicle, before running away from the scene of the alleged crime.

The second witness said he saw Salman, who was also present along with his sisters in court for the re-trial, "open the car door while stepping out".

Of the four police witnesses, two submitted their testimony before the court Tuesday, while the other two are expected to make their submissions during the next hearing.

They were recently traced by police after Sessions Judge D.W. Deshpande directed that the witnesses be kept ready for the re-trial.

Gallery: Salman Khan arrives to appear before a sessions court in relation to his involvement in 2002 hit-and-run case in Mumbai on 6 May 2014

The prosecution had earlier submitted a list of 64 witnesses but will only examine a few of them during the re-trial.

Enhanced charges were announced against Salman in December 2013.

During the earlier trial by a magistrate court, the actor was charged with causing death by negligence, which attracts a maximum imprisonment of two years.

However, after ten years into the case, the court held that he should be tried under the enhanced charge - Indian Penal Code section 304(2) dealing with culpable homicide not amounting to murder - and the matter was referred to the sessions court.

In July 2013, the sessions court framed charges against Salman under the enhanced charge which stipulates a 10-year jail term if found guilty.

The actor challenged the magistrate court's order and sought fresh trial on the grounds that the defence was not given an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses vis-a-vis the enhanced charge of culpable homicide.

Salman has also been charged under sections pertaining to causing death by negligence, causing hurt and grievous hurt, damaging property and sections of Motor Vehicles Act and Bombay Prohibition Act.