2002 hit-and-run case: Survivors await 'justice and compensation' as Salman walks free

If I get the compensation, I can do something for my children's future, one victim said.

Mumbai

: As Bollywood star Salman Khan walked free in the 2002 hit-and-run case, one of those injured in the accident caused by his SUV said he is yet to get “justice and compensation” for which he has waited for 13 long years.

Mohammad Aziz Abdul (46), who is named as Mannu Khan in the case said, “I had fractured my leg. It is important that the government approaches the SC. How will I get the compensation otherwise I saw him in the driver’s seat. He was sitting in there for 15 minutes. I saw him getting out of the driver’s seat. He paid for my treatment, but even after that I spent around Rs 50,000. I still feel the pain in my leg during winter. I will approach the police and tell them I saw him drive.”

On the contrary, another victim whose leg was severely injured said he wanted Salman to get acquitted, but wants ‘someone’ to pay compensation. The victim, Abdulla Shaikh, said, “For 13 years I thought the court will give justice and I will get my compensation. I thought I will get compensation, but he got acquitted. It’s good they freed him, even I wanted the same. But I want something for me. I have five children. I can’t earn now. I want something so I can settle their future.” A rod had to be fitted in Mr Shaikh’s leg, due to which he can’t walk without limping. According to the Bombay High Court:

The probe was conducted in a faulty manner with many loose ends

There are various shortcomings by the prosecution like not recording evidence of necessary and important witnesses

Omissions and contradictions in the evidence of injured witnesses

The entire evidence of the prosecution was circumstantial in nature

Prosecution should have examined Kamaal Khan, singer friend of Salman, who was with him in the car when the mishap

occurred on September 28, 2002. Summons had been issued to Khan by the trial court but the matter was not followed up further.

THE TWISTS AND TURNS

2002 September 28: Salman’s white Toyata Land Cruiser crashes into the pavements near American Express Bakery at Hill Road at Bandra, killing one person and injuring four others. He is arrested and granted bail

October: Police invoke section 302-II of IPC, which is culpable homicide not amounting to murder which attracts a punishment of jail term of 10 years.

2006 October: Magistrate court frame charges against Salman Khan

2007 May: Chemical analysis report suggests Salman Khan was drunk

October: Police bodyguard Ravindra Patil, who filed the first FIR dies of TB

2013 December 23: Court slaps the charge of ‘culpable homicide’ not amounting to murder on the actor

2015 March: Salman Khan’s family driver Ashok Singh owns up responsibility of accident May 6: Mumbai sessions court sentences Salman Khan to five years RI