Jubilant fans throng outside Salman Khan's home

Mumbai: Shortly after the Jodhpur court acquitted actor Salman Khan of all charges, fans started gathering outside his Galaxy apartment in Bandra (west). However, dressed in a white shirt, the actor headed home straight from the Mumbai airport after his acquittal. He did not meet or greet any of his fans outside his building. The Bajrangi Bhaijaan star was, since 1998, under trial for allegedly possessing and using firearms, poaching blackbucks in Kankani near Jodhpur, with an expired licence. The star was booked under sections 3(25) and 3(27) of the Arms Act.

Vicky, a printer in a local firm in the city, said that he had been waiting for four hours for a glimpse of the star. “I am from Gorakhpur and moved to Mumbai to be nearer to him. I got a job here in Bandra itself and made it a point to come to the building once every month,” he said. He added that he was happy with the court’s judgment and was confident that he wouldn’t be sent to jail. Mahua, a teacher hailing from Kolkata, shared the same sentiment. “I am in Mumbai to meet friends and made it a point to come to Galaxy today. I love him and have been praying for his acquittal,” she said.

Mahua’s friend Sunil Kori, a model, said that there was no way Salman could have killed an innocent animal. “Bhai is very kind and caring. He takes poor people home and feeds them. He loves his dogs too. How can he kill an animal?” he asked. Shefali Vohra, an engineer from Seattle, US insisted to her family that they visit the actor’s house. “I love all his 90s movies and though I haven’t followed his case regularly, I am sure the court’s judgement is correct,” she said. Khan thanked his fans on a social media saying,  “Thank you for all the support and good wishes.”