Salman Khan has been dealing with the blackbuck poaching case for over 26 years, and it continues to haunt him. While actors like Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam were also part of the hunting group during the shooting of Hum Saath Saath Hain, Salman is the only one facing constant public backlash.
Adding to his troubles, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has repeatedly targeted him, raising the question: Why is Salman Khan still the primary focus when others involved have been let off by the courts?
A Flashback to the 1998 Incident
The case dates back to September-October 1998, when Salman Khan and his co-stars were in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, shooting for Hum Saath Saath Hain. The group allegedly hunted two chinkaras and three blackbucks during their stay. These protected animals are revered by the Bishnoi community, making the poaching incident particularly controversial.
Salman Khan was accused of hunting the blackbucks on October 1, 1998, in Kankani village. Though Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu, and Neelam were present with him in the vehicle that night, the spotlight has largely stayed on Salman.
Multiple Cases Filed Against Salman Khan
Salman faced not just one but four legal cases connected to the hunting incident:
- Chinkara Hunting: Two separate cases were registered for hunting chinkaras in Mathania and Bhawad villages.
- Blackbuck Hunting in Kankani: Salman was found guilty by the Jodhpur court in this case.
- Arms Act Violation: A fourth case was filed because Salman used firearms despite his license being expired.
In the blackbuck hunting case, eyewitnesses testified that Salman Khan fired the shots, while the other actors allegedly encouraged him. However, the courts acquitted Saif, Sonali, Neelam, and Tabu.
Jail Time and Court Verdicts
Salman Khan has spent several stints in jail due to the poaching cases.
- October 12, 1998: Salman was arrested for the first time and spent five days in Jodhpur jail.
- February 17, 2006: The CJM court found him guilty and sentenced him to one year in prison, but he was later acquitted by the High Court.
- April 10, 2006: The CJM court sentenced him to five years for the second poaching case.
- April 5, 2018: Salman was convicted in the blackbuck hunting case and sentenced to five years in prison. He was released on bail two days later after furnishing a bond of ₹50,000.
Meanwhile, the court acquitted the other actors due to insufficient evidence against them.
Why Is Salman Khan Still Targeted?
While the legal system acquitted Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam, Salman continues to face threats from the Bishnoi community and Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The Bishnois consider the blackbuck sacred and believe that justice has not been fully served.
The gang has specifically targeted Salman, indicating that they want to punish him further for the incident. Despite serving jail time and receiving bail, Salman remains the prime focus of public anger, with many questioning why his co-stars were let off more easily.
What Keeps the Controversy Alive?
Salman Khan’s superstar status ensures that every development in the case attracts massive public attention. His involvement in the case, combined with media focus, has kept the controversy alive. The Bishnoi community’s belief that the actor has not been punished enough adds fuel to the fire.
While Salman has tried to move on from the incident, the blackbuck poaching case remains a blot on his otherwise successful career. Whether the controversy will ever truly end is still uncertain.
