Mumbai: Bollywood star Salman Khan was the cynosure of all eyes as he entered the box in a jam-packed courtroom to record his statement in the 2002 hit-and-run case in which he has been charged with ramming his car into a shop killing one and injuring four others.
Attired in white shirt and blue denims, Khan stepped into the box and bowed down before sessions judge D W Deshpande who explained to him the significance of the statement he was required to make under Section 313 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
“I will ask you questions based on evidence adduced by the prosecution and you reply briefly about whether they are true or false, or you are aware or not aware about them,” the judge told the actor.
In the sweltering heat, Khan was seen perspiring as he continued to face a volley of questions from the court for three hours at a stretch in the first half, and another hour and a half, after lunch break.
At one point of time, he appeared to be in a state of confusion and his lawyer Srikant Shivade stood up to tell the court that the actor might need a glass of water and a break for a few minutes, but the judge told him that Khan was not tired and would like to go on. Khan too nodded in agreement.
Assuring that everything was going smoothly, the judge asked Khan’s lawyer not to worry and added that the recording of his statement was a matter between the court and the accused.
During the post-lunch session, the actor greeted the judge with a “namaste” when he entered the box.
The actor’s sisters Alvira and Arpita were present, along with his personal bodyguard.
Lawyers, court staff and mediapersons were present in large numbers. Â
(Inputs from PTI)
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