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Case filed against Bollywood stars in black buck case

Kamla Bora in Jaipur

The Rajasthan forest department on Saturday filed a criminal case in a Jodhpur court against Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan and actresses Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam for hunting the protected black buck in October 1998.

Both Salman and Saif were present in the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Raj Kamal Gaur when the prosecution filed the chargesheet. However, the three actresses were exempted from making a personal appearance.

The court reserved its order on an application seeking permission for Salman and Saif to remain absent on future hearing dates of the trial till June 19.

In October 1998, the actors had visited Jodhpur to film Hum Saath Saath Hain. At that time, they had gone on a hunting expedition in the forests around Jodhpur, allegedly shooting chinkaras and black bucks. The area is dominated by the Bishnois, who worship the animals.

The Bishnois complained to the forest department who came across the carcasses of the dead animals during investigations.

A large crowd gathered outside the court premises to have a glimpse of the film stars. The courtroom was jam-packed with lawyers and the police had a hard time controlling the crowds.

In the melee outside the courtroom, policemen stopped Saif Ali Khan too, but allowed him in after realising their mistake.

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