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It was only an accident, but Salman Khan made it high-profile: Ex-Mumbai police chief
A correct judgment which would have been given in case of any other accident case is how former Mumbai police commissioner MN Singh, who was at the helm when the Salman Khan hit-and-run case incident took place in 2002, described the Wednesday’s verdict.
A correct judgment which would have been given in case of any other accident case is how former Mumbai police commissioner MN Singh, who was at the helm when the Salman Khan hit-and-run case incident took place in 2002, described the Wednesday’s verdict.
“It was just another accident case, but it became high profile because of the involvement of a superstar,” Singh told HT, adding there was no pressure on the police, apart from the constant media attention. “Within a few months of the case, I was cornered by the media at a conference of director generals in Delhi, asking what we planned ahead. There was a hue and cry after the accident. A section of the media wanted Khan to be charged for murder, which I thought was not justified.”
Singh said the case was always strong. “It was a simple case and did not require much skill. It was promptly investigated and charge-sheeted. There was enough evidence. Doubts were raised over the case at one point only because of the delay, which is a problem in most court cases. It also subjected the Bandra police team, which was investigating the case, to constant scrutiny. ”
Singh, however, feels the verdict will act as a deterrent. “It will set an example that even if you are high and mighty, the law is above you. Some people violate the law by driving without a licence and under the influence of alcohol. This judgment will send out the right message,” he said.
