A decades-old blackbuck hunting controversy involving Bollywood star Salman Khan has resurfaced in court. The case relates to the killing of a blackbuck in 1998 near Jodhpur during the shoot of Hum Saath Saath Hain. Locals from a nearby tribal village believe the blackbuck’s death brought a curse on the actor, and the matter has followed him for over twenty years.
In 1998, Salman Khan was accused of hunting the protected blackbuck species. The court found him guilty, sentencing him to five years in jail and a fine of ₹2,500. He served some time in prison but was later released on bail and continued his acting career. The case, however, remained a source of tension, particularly with the Bishnoi community, who regard the blackbuck as sacred.
Now, the case has returned to court. The Rajasthan government recently petitioned to re-examine co-actors involved in the hunting, including Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, Neelam, and Dushyant Singh. This move has sparked public discussion, as the appeal challenges the earlier acquittal of Salman and his co-stars.
The High Court has begun hearings on both the government’s appeal and Salman Khan’s petition challenging his conviction. Due to delays in filing the appeal against the acquitted actors, the bench has postponed proceedings, scheduling the next hearing in eight weeks. Observers expect the case to resume by the end of the year if no further delays occur.
The incident occurred during a shoot near Kankani village in Jodhpur. Salman and his team went hunting in the surrounding forest, killing a blackbuck revered by the Bishnoi community. This case has become a landmark example of India’s wildlife protection laws, showing that even high-profile actors with fame and wealth can be held accountable for illegal hunting.
The ongoing proceedings continue to capture public attention, highlighting the lasting consequences of violating wildlife protection laws.
