Salman verdict: As actor breathes a sigh of relief, old wounds roughed up for victim’s kin

Mumbai: For 25-year-old Firoz Shaikh who lost his father Noorullah Khan in the 2002 hit-and-run case, Thursday’s judgement has served no purpose and has not brought about the much-needed closure. 

"His act was unintentional. It was an accident and my father was an unfortunate victim...I forgive Salman, but now I don’t know who killed my father. It has been 13 years… even today the question remains unanswered. The verdict has not brought any closure,” Shaikh was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Firoz's father Noorullah Khan was one of the pavement dwellers who were killed under the wheels of Salman Khan's car. Firoz was just 12 when Noorullah was killed and had to discontinue his education to support his family following the accident. Claiming that she was disappointed by the verdict, Firoz's mother Begum  Jahan, 48, said "There is ample evidence to show Salman was driving the vehicle... We are poor, but that does not mean our lives are worthless."

Meanwhile, other witnesses and victims have also expressed disappointment regarding the verdict.

One of the key witnesses Mannu Khan said "I gave my statement to the court... I was clear that he got off from the driver's side. But that is irrelevant today." Echoing his sentiments, Abdullah Sheikh who lost his lower limbs in the accident said that gross injustice had been done.