Salman Khan’s acquittal in hit-and-run case draws mixed reactions

Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s acquittal in the 2002 hit-and-run case drew mixed reactions on Thursday, with a senior lawyer calling it a sad day for the judiciary even as fans cheered outside Khan’s residence.

Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s acquittal in the 2002 hit-and-run case drew mixed reactions on Thursday, with a senior lawyer calling it a sad day for the judiciary even as fans cheered outside Khan’s residence.

Fans gather outside Salman Khan's Bandra residence to get a glimpse of the Bollywood actor who was acquitted in the hit-and-run case on Thursday, in Mumbai.(Satish Bate/HT Photo)

“The chemical analyst report found that alcohol content in Salman Khan’s case was adequate. If the court is not ready to look into these statements then one can only say that it is a sad day for the criminal justice system of the country. It really shows that it is a appalling for the Indian judiciary system,” Abha Singh was quoted by ANI as saying.

Singh made the statement even as dozens of joyous fans gathered outside Khan’s home in Mumbai as news of his acquittal spread. “I want to thank God for this,” one fan said.

Salman Khan's fans in Bhopal celebrate his acquittal #salmankhanverdicthttps://t.co/UuM2OjjTVA

— ANI (@ANI_news) December 10, 2015

Other Twitter users were less kind, suggesting there was one rule for the rich and another for the poor in India, lamenting that little attention was being given to the victim.

“Those policeman and the persecution should be arrested instead of Salman Khan if they made a wrong case. If high court says that the police and the prosecution made a wrong case, then I would request the honourable high court to arrest those people, you cannot make mockery of the judiciary system,” Singh said.

“Maharashtra police must go and appeal so that the country knows what the truth is. The police and prosecution have not live up to the reputation. The faith in the judiciary system must be restored,” she added.

After the Bombay HC announced Khan’s acquittal, Bhaijaanz, a restaurant themed on the superstar, announced a unique celebration for the announcement.

Bhaijaanz said it would pay a tribute to Salman by allowing the customers to make their bills according to their wish. “It’s just 0.1% of something that we could do to celebrate this day,” Bhaijaanz owner Rahul Narain Kanal told IANS.

(With inputs from agencies)