Salman Khan's CONVICTION: Samir Soni REACTS

Here's what acquitted Neelam Kothari's husband has to say about Salman Khan being convicted...

Published: Thursday,Apr 05, 2018 15:12 PM GMT-06:00

Priyanka Chauhan

Neelam Kothari who was one of the accused in the 1998 Black Buck poaching case, was acquitted by the Jodhpur court today.

But, her co-star and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been convicted and awarded a five year jail term.

Reacting on Salman's conviction, Neelam's husband and actor, Samir Soni has said that while he is happy that his wife has been proven not guilty, he is disappointed that Salman has been convicted.

In a statement given to CNN-News18, Samir said, "I am happy for Neelam. But I am disappointed for Salman Khan. I don't know why he is being singled out. I think he is paying the price for being a star."

Salman has been convicted under Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, which carries maximum punishment of six years and minimum one-year jail term.

The final quantum of sentence that was announced a few minutes back states, "Salman Khan has been sentenced to 5 years to jail in Black Buck Poaching Case and a penalty of Rs 10,000 has also been levied on him", says a source from Jodhpur court.

Salman Khan was accused of killing two blackbucks in Bhagoda ki Dhani in Kankani village near Jodhpur on the intervening night of October 1-2, 1998, during the shooting of Hum Saath Saath Hain.

Other star cast of Hum Saath Saath Hain who have been released include Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam Kothari.