The 1999 blackbuck poaching case involving Salman Khan remains one of the most high-profile legal battles in Bollywood history. At the time, the case garnered nationwide attention, with intense media scrutiny surrounding the actor and his co-stars.
A Lesser-Known Legal Connection
In a lesser-known but significant detail, Salman Khan was granted bail in the early stages of the case with the assistance of Jagdeep Dhankhar—who would later go on to become the Vice President of India.
Although Jagdeep recently resigned from his position due to health concerns, his contributions as an accomplished attorney and constitutional specialist continue to be significant in this legal tale.
Salman Khan and the other defendants, which included actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, and Sonali Bendre, were represented by Dhankhar, a senior advocate at the time. While filming Sooraj Barjatya's Hum Saath-Saath Hain in Rajasthan, they were all accused of hunting two blackbucks, an endangered species protected by India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Dhankhar Speaks About His Role
In an interview with Rediff On The Net, Dhankhar confirmed his involvement in the case but avoided giving a direct answer when asked whether the actors actually went hunting. Instead, he raised questions about the credibility of the investigation.
“I pleaded before the judge, stating that Salman had fully cooperated with the police after his arrest, and therefore, there was every reason to grant him bail,” Dhankhar said in the interview.
He also asked why, at the time of the alleged shooting, the villagers who said they saw the event did not confront or pursue the actors. It's crucial to remember, though, that Dhankhar did not represent Salman Khan during the trial's later phases.
The Conviction and Bail
With numerous hearings and appeals, the case continued for years. Salman Khan was ultimately found guilty and given a sentence on April 5, 2018, which resulted in his incarceration at Jodhpur Central Jail. On April 7, 2018, District and Sessions Judge Ravindra Kumar Joshi granted him bail after he had been detained for two nights.
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The Times of India reported that Khan was freed on a Rs 50,000 personal bond and two Rs 25,000 sureties. He was told to show up for his upcoming hearing on May 7, 2018, and as part of his bail requirements, he was not allowed to leave the country without the court's approval.
The Legacy of a Case That Gripped the Nation
The blackbuck poaching case remains one of the most talked-about legal controversies in Bollywood. While Salman Khan continues to be a leading figure in the Indian film industry, the legal saga and Dhankhar’s early involvement as a defense counsel stand out as intriguing footnotes in the actor's journey through the Indian judicial system.
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