Khan thanks fans
Actor, who recently got bail in black buck case, grateful for support
Convicted Bollywood star Salman Khan tweeted “tears of gratitude” towards his fans on Monday in his first remarks since being bailed over a five-year jail sentence for killing rare antelopes.
Khan, one of the world’s highest-paid actors, was convicted in the 20-year-old case on Thursday and spent two nights in Jodhpur Central Jail before being released on bail by a judge on Saturday.
“Tears of gratitude. To all my loved ones who are with me and never lost hope. Thank you for being there with all the love and support. God Bless,” the actor wrote to his 32.7 million Twitter followers.
Khan denied shooting dead two rare antelopes known as black bucks on a hunting trip while filming a movie in October 1998.
But the court found him guilty while acquitting four other actors.
Khan has accused Rajasthan’s forest department of trying to frame him.
His lawyers claim the black bucks died of natural causes such as overeating, insisting there was no evidence they were shot.
Throughout the multiple cases, eyewitnesses have stated they saw Khan firing a gun.
A judge released Khan, one of Indian cinema’s most bankable stars, in return for bail and sureties totalling Rs100,000 (Dh5,657). He cannot leave India without court permission.
The 52-year-old enjoys a cult-like status in star-obsessed India. — AFP