Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; May 7, 2014)

The fresh trial of Salman Khan’s hit-and-run case began in March in Mumbai. In a new development, recently traced witnesses deposed in a city court yesterday. The actor, dressed casually, was accompanied by his sisters Alvira and Arpita. Witnesses confirmed Salman’s identity and testified that they had seen him behind the wheel on the night of the fateful incident. In keeping with the statement made by the witnesses, the actor is being retried for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

When news of this fresh trial started to make the rounds a few days ago, after a section of the media reported that a couple of witnesses had been traced, we had spoken to Salim Khan. Continuing to maintain that his son is not involved in a hit-and-run case, he said, “Salman is not a criminal or a coward. Why is it called a hit-and-run case? It is not that he was not caught. Or that he has not been found. It is a case of simple accident.”

He continued, “Why is this not being treated like any other accident? Why is it such a special case? It is not an emotional matter. It is a judicial matter and we have faith in the judicial system of the country. Whatever the verdict, we will face it and take it head on. We want it to be taken forward in a rational and sensible manner.” 
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Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; May 7, 2014)

Clad in a printed blue shirt paired with denims, Salman Khan appeared at the Sessions Court around 10.30 on Tuesday morning. The hearing started at 11am sharp and even as witnesses identified him, Salman appeared very calm and composed.

Even though many starstruck fans — including cops, advocates and members of the general public — were busy clicking his photographs, the actor, who was accompanied by his bodyguard, Shera, and one of his close friends, patiently sat through the court’s proceedings.

A little later, his sister Arpita Khan joined him in the court. It also looked like the actor was silently praying as he sat with his hands folded when the proceedings began.

Says a source, “Salman seemed to have a bad throat and he did fiddle with his bracelet out of nervousness. But for the most part, he was calm during the hearing. Some cops and the actor’s bodyguard tried their best to stop fans from photographing the actor.”

Eyewitnesses say that a woman advocate even requested Salman’s bodyguard to call her as soon as her the star’s hearing was over as she wanted a photograph with the actor. Other fans, who kept clicking the star’s photos, were then asked to delete the same.

Among those present was Salman Khan’s diehard fan Pranita Fulsagar, who works as a back office assistant in a Pune firm and had come all the way to Mumbai to get a glimpse of her favourite actor. Fulsagar apparently attends every hearing of the actor.

Salman Khan in a pensive mood as he leaves the Sessions Court.