The blackbuck hunting case involving actors Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam took a new turn today when fresh charges were read out against the actors today in a Jodhpur court. For those unaware of the controversy, the actors allegedly hunted blackbucks (a rare, protected species) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, during the shooting of Hum Saath Saath Hain, fourteen years ago.
Salman was charged under the Wildlife Protection act for hunting blackbucks with the Arms Act charges being dropped against him whilst the other actors were charged with blackbuck hunting, inciting Salman to hunt and unlawful assembly. If the actors are found to be guilty, they can expect to face up to 6 years in jail.
All actors were present at the reading of the new charges except for Salman who is in the U.S. for medical reasons. Court proceedings will resume on 27th April where the witnesses will give their statements. Interestingly, the main witness who is the driver of the jeep the actors used for the hunting trip is missing.