Blackbuck case: Court frames fresh charges against Saif Ali Khan, three others

Zeenews Bureau

Delhi: A court in Jodhpur has framed fresh charges on Saturday against actors Tabu, Neelam, Saif Ali Khan and Sonali Bendre in connection with a blackbuck poaching case. The five actors were first charged with poaching of blackbucks back in 1998. 14 years back, during the shoot of ‘Hum Saath Saath Hai’, the five actors had allegedly shot blackbucks in a village near Jodhpur. A case had been filed consequently. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, the blackbuck is a protected animal and hunting or poaching of the same is a punishable offence under the Indian law. While Salman Khan had been expected to reach Jodhpur today, the actor wasn't able to do so. The other actors were present for the hearing. Salman is in the US for the treatment of a rare neurological disorder and was supposed to fly to the country to attend the hearing today. The Rajasthan High Court had revised the charges against these stars in December 2012, charging Khan with Section 51 of Wildlife Protection Act and others including a local accused Dushyant Singh with Section 51/52 of Wildlife Protection Act and Section 149 of IPC. The revised charges have been framed against Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu and Sonali Bendre. If proven, the actors might be sentenced to six years' imprisonment. Revised charges on Salman Khan are yet to be read out. The next hearing in the blackbuck poaching case has now been scheduled for April 27.