Chinkara case: SC issues notice to Salman Khan over plea challenging his acquittal

In 1998, Khan and seven others were accused of hunting and killing chinkara in two separate incidents.

Mumbai

: On Friday, Supreme Court agreed to hear the plea filed by Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan Government challenging Salman Khan’s acquittal in chinkara case. The SC has also issued a notice to the actor.

On Tuesday, the Rajasthan government had said that it will file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision acquitting Khan in two cases of chinkara poaching.

“The government is studying the merits and demerits of the case and has decided to appeal against the decision in the Supreme Court,” the state’s Law Minister, Rajendra Rathore, had told reporters.

The Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan Government in October had approached the Supreme Court against Bollywood Salman Khan's acquittal in two cases related to the chinkara (black buck) poaching case.

In their previous appeal, the government had asked the top court to direct the superstar to surrender. They claim that Salman's driver was not intentionally cross-examined by his lawyers.

The Rajasthan High Court on July 25 had acquitted Khan in the poaching case citing lack of evidences to incriminate him.

In 1998, Khan and seven others were accused of hunting and killing chinkara in two separate incidents.

One of the animals was killed at Bhawad on the outskirts of Jodhpur on September 26, 1998, and the other at Ghoda Farms on September 28, 1998. At that time, they were shooting for the film 'Hum Sath Sath Hain'.

Chinkara is an endangered animal accorded the highest protection under the Wildlife Protection Act.