JODHPUR: The trial of actor Salman Khan and other Bollywood stars on the alleged poaching of two blackbucks could not commence on Saturday as the witnesses who had to give their statements in the case did not turn up. The court then adjourned the hearing till May 25.
The trial was to commence from Saturday after the court had read out revised charges against Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu, Neelam and one local accused Dushyant Singh on March 23 during their presence in the court except Khan who cited health grounds for his absence.
According to Khan's counsel, two witnesses - Poonam Chand and Choga Ram - had to appear in the court of chief judicial magistrate to give their witness but they did not appear as they could not receive the notice . The witnesses were out of town for treatment.
The accused too did not appear in the court as they have been granted permanent exemption from appearance but if court deems it necessary, it may direct them to appear.
It may be recalled that the high court had revised the charges against the actors in December 2012. In the fresh charges, Khan was charged with Section 9/51 of the Wildlife Protection Act and others including a local accused Dushyant Singh with sections 9/51, 9//52 of the same Act and section 149 of IPC.
Khan and the other stars were allegedly involved in poaching of two blackbucks at Kankani village near Jodhpur on the intervening night of October 1 and 2, 1998 during the shooting of the film "Hum Sath Sath Hain".
