Bollywood actor Salman Khan on Wednesday declared his innocence before a Jodhpur sessions court in connection with a case related to the violation of the Arms Act.
The actor was left baffled when the court asked him about his caste. After some thought, he answered: "Hindu and Muslim".
While his counsel and bodyguard, and someone from the crowd suggested he say ‘Muslim’, he told the court: “Hindu and Muslim.”
Salman explained that his father, Salim Khan, is a Muslim and mother Susheela Charak is a Hindu.
Before recording Salman's statement, Chief Judicial Magistrate Anupama Bijlani asked him his name, father's name, profession and other details required by the court's form. The case is an offshoot of the 1998 black buck poaching case.
Khan has been charged with the alleged illegal poaching of two black bucks while shooting for his film 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in the city.
It has been reported that defence lawyer has sought the permission to present some more witnesses in relation to the case.
Salman has pleaded innocent, as per reports and next date for hearing has been set for May 4.
Reports suggest that Salman was accompanied by his younger sister Arpita and her husband Aayush to the court.
The sessions court had earlier called for the record of the subordinate court in relation to the illegal possession and use of arms by Salman Khan on the Bollywood actor's revision plea.
The 49-year-old actor had earlier sought exemption from appearing in Jodhpur court on April 23, citing health reasons. Wednesday’s date was decided for recording the actor's statement in court.
