Some celebs stand in support of Salman Khan, others stopped showing any semblance of humanity
The actor has been sentenced to five years in prison for 2002 hit-and-run case
Mumbai: A Mumbai sessions judge found Salman Khan guilty of killing a homeless man in a 2002 hit-and-run after a night out drinking. Judge D W Deshpande convicted the 49-year-old of culpable homicide for crashing his SUV into a group of homeless men in Bandra, Mumbai and then fleeing the scene. The actor has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Khan, who blamed his driver for the crash, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and has been taken into custody from the court. Khan was convicted in all eight charges, including the most serious charge of 'culpable homicide not amounting to murder' which could see him behind bars for up to 10 years. The lawyer has put forth his plea of considering his humanitarian work and reducing the sentence.
Live: Salman Khan jailed for 5 years in 2002 hit-and-run case that killed a homeless man
While the actor and his family are holding fort, several Bollywood stars are voicing their concern and support.
Music composer Wajid Ali, a close friend of Salman, said, "This is a very sad moment. I am shocked at the verdict. Salman bhai is a simple and real man. I hope he will take it in the right spirit. It was an accident which can happen with anyone on an unfortunate day. Salman's name has made this case popular. He paid the price of being a celebrity."
Actress and BJP MP Hema Malini said she was praying that the actor gets a lesser sentence. "Feeling very sad. Will pray for lesser imprisonment for Salman. My sympathy with Salman and his family," she said.
Read: All charges against you are proved, says judge as teary-eyed Salman listens to verdict
Actor Shakti Kapoor said he was saddened by the verdict. "However, a law is a law. This is unfortunate. Salman's family are law-abiding citizens and they have already undergone 13 years of mental torture. His philanthropic work is well known and he is known to help the needy people," he said.
It hurts when your own are punished, even if they are in the wrong. We love you and are standing by you
— Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) May 6, 2015It doesn't matter what anyone or any court says he doesn't deserve this at any level...will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what...
— Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) May 6, 2015@BeingSalmanKhan is a man who has always helped d underprivileged!A man who has done so much humanitarian work.Prayers for a fair judgement.
— Bipasha Basu (@bipsluvurself) May 6, 2015Prayers for Salman n his family. Tough times
— Esha Gupta (@eshagupta2811) May 6, 2015Terrible news. Dnt knw wht to say except tht will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what. Hes a good man and no 1 can tk tht away frm him.
— Sonakshi Sinha (@sonakshisinha) May 6, 2015My prayers are with @BeingSalmanKhan and his family who I know love this country and respect its judiciary.
— Varun SURESH Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) May 6, 2015Not commenting on courts verdict- but my heart goes out 2 @BeingSalmanKhan :large hearted & 1 of d finest people I hv met in this industry.
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) May 6, 2015Hurts to think of what could happen. We will always be with you. Hope the judge sees the beauty of a human being that Salman Khan is.
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) May 6, 2015The Kapoors are with the Khans in their difficult time. Time is the biggest healer. God Bless!
— rishi kapoor (@chintskap) May 6, 2015On a day like this, if only time could turn back & what was done, be undone......Heart-breaking.
— ShraddhaVINNIEKapoor (@ShraddhaKapoor) May 6, 2015I can only respond emotionally just now...my thoughts and prayers are with Salman and his family today....I wish them strength....
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) May 6, 2015While some celebrities voiced support, others stopped showing any semblance of humanity.
Suicide is crime so is sleeping on footpath..80% homeles film ppl strugld achievd stardom but never slept on footpath @BeingSalmanKhan
— abhijeet (@abhijeetsinger) May 6, 2015Mumbai ke road Aur footpath pe sone ka shauk hai ?? Y not at your village no vehicles to kill u.. Support @BeingSalmanKhan @sonakshisinha
— abhijeet (@abhijeetsinger) May 6, 2015Come out fraternity, support @BeingSalmanKhan boldly not hypocriticly Roads footpath r not meant 4 sleeping, not driver's or alcohol's fault
— abhijeet (@abhijeetsinger) May 6, 2015Kutta rd pe soyega kutte ki maut marega, roads garib ke baap ki nahi hai I ws homles an year nvr slept on rd @BeingSalmanKhan @sonakshisinha
— abhijeet (@abhijeetsinger) May 6, 2015Roads are meant for cars and dogs not for people sleeping on them.. @BeingSalmanKhan is not at fault at all..@arbaazSkhan @sonakshisinha
— abhijeet (@abhijeetsinger) May 6, 2015No one should be sleeping on the road or footpath. It is dangerous to do that just like it is dangerous to cross tracks.
— Farah Khan (@FarahKhanAli) May 6, 2015It's like penalising a train driver because someone decided to cross the tracks and got killed in the bargain. #salmankhancase
— Farah Khan (@FarahKhanAli) May 6, 2015The govt should be responsible for housing ppl.If no 1was sleeping on d road in any other country Salman wuld not have driven over anybody.
— Farah Khan (@FarahKhanAli) May 6, 2015