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Wed, 06 May 2015
Nepal likely to call off expeditions to Mt Everest this year
Timeline Refresh
23:29 Migrants rescued after 12 days at sea as UN mulls mission
An Italian rescue patrol picked up nearly 100 migrants who reported being at sea for 12 days as UN Security Council members mulled a draft resolution authorizing an EU mission to seize the smugglers' boats that are fueling the Mediterranean migrant crisis.
23:04 Sonia Gandhi hosts dinner for party MPs
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday night hosted a dinner for party MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha which was attended by Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders.
It was the first informal gathering of party leaders since Rahul came back on April 15 after his nearly two-month break from politics. Both the Congress president and the vice president were seen chatting with senior leaders throughout the one hour-long duration of the dinner.
22:46 Nuclear deal can make Iran region's 'number one' energy power
A nuclear agreement will allow Iran to become the number one energy player in the Middle East and herald major opportunities for foreign companies, top Iranian officials said today.
The remarks, at an industry event in Tehran, underlined the broader political and economic implications should sanctions on Iran be lifted under a deal, following long-running diplomatic efforts with world powers.
22:43 Rahul's Telangana tour kicks off next week, to meet farmers
Extending his outreach to farmers, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will embark on a two-day tour of Telangana on May 11, wherein he would undertake a 'padyatra' (foot march) and interact with farmers in Adilabad district.
22:00 Anonymous USD 210,000 donation for Indian female graduates
A US-based not-for-profit organisation which provides tuition-free school for children born into extreme poverty has received an anonymous donation of USD 210,000 to create a stipend fund for female graduates in Bangalore.
The fund received to create an endowment that will provide stipend to Christel House India-Bangalore female graduates while they pursue college and careers has been named Vidya Maanini-Kannada for 'young girl full of knowledge,' a statement issued here said.
"Our donor is passionate about providing opportunities and empowerment for our female students in India for many years to come," Christel DeHaan, founder and CEO of Indianapolis-based Christel House International, said.
"We say a heartfelt thank you," DeHaan said.
Christel House India-Bangalore was established in 2001 and currently serves more than 1,000 students.
Less than 10 per cent of students in India graduate from high school, whereas 85 per cent of Christel House India-Bangalore graduates are on track to graduate from college, the statement said.
21:25 US gives Pak USD 5.4 bn worth of military equipment
The US has given military hardware, including F-16 fighter jets, to Pakistan amounting to a whopping USD 5.4 billion since the 9/11 terror attacks, according to a latest Congressional report.
"The Pentagon reports total Foreign Military Sales agreements with Pakistan worth about USD 5.4 billion for FY 2002-FY 2014," an internal report of the independent Congressional Research Service said yesterday.
Sales of F-16 combat aircraft and related equipment account for nearly half of this.
Compared to this, in the last 10 years India has placed orders or purchased more than USD 10 billion worth of hi-tech military hardware from the US and is planning to buy more.
The remarkable jump in bilateral defence trade between India and the US is attributable to the improvement in India-US defence ties post 9/11 attacks and the 2005 signing of the Defence Framework Agreement between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the US has quietly armed Pakistan, despite the fact that for two years there was a complete halt in supply of new arms and equipment to Pakistan's military.
The military hardware given to Pakistan in the 10-year framework has been argued as supplies needed by Islamabad for capacity building to fight terrorists in its border areas.
But most of the arms and equipment supplied to Pakistan has been those which could be used for conventional war with India.
21:04 Nepal likely to call off expeditions to Mt Everest this year
Nepal could call off expeditions to Mount Everest this year after mountaineering authorities advised the government not to take further risks as the climbing route has been destroyed by the earthquake-triggered avalanche that killed over 20 mountaineers.
If the expedition is suspended, it would be the second consecutive year that the climbing season has been called off because of deaths on the world's highest peak. Last year, the government had to suspend trekking activities following an avalanche that killed 16 Sherpa guides.
After the thorough assessment of the damage at Base Camp and the Icefall caused by the devastating earthquake and avalanche of April 25, Icefall Doctors team and the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee advised the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation not to proceed with further expeditions.
20:54 Israel's Netanyahu races to form government ahead of deadline - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/ne
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on Wednesday locked in a last-ditch effort to piece together a ruling coalition with a working majority ahead of a midnight deadline.
With less than 12 hours left, talks with the far-right Jewish Home - the only potential coalition partner yet to agree to join a Netanyahu government - took on heightened urgency.
If Netanyahu manages to sign the party, as expected, it will give him a razor-thin majority of 61 within the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament.
Read full story HERE.
20:41 ISIS opens 5-star hotel for jihadist commanders in Iraq
Dreaded Islamic State terror group has purportedly opened its own 5-star hotel complete with 262 rooms, restaurants, ballrooms and gym in Iraq's Mosul city for its Jihadist commanders, according to a media report.
The hotel is believed to be the Ninawa International Hotel, which received a number of positive reviews before being overtaken by militants and stripped of its branding, The Independent reported.
Pictures circulated by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-affiliated social media accounts show members tending to a well-maintained garden, polishing floors and cleaning windows, expansive swimming pools and two black ISIS flags flying at the front of the multi-storey building.
It has 262 rooms, two restaurants, two ballrooms and a gymnasium, among other facilities, the report said.
ISIS-affiliated Twitter accounts were promoting an event to mark the hotel's opening night on May 1, where all Muslims were told they could attend for free.
Images from the event show dozens gathered around pools during the day, followed by a firework display in the evening.
Charlie Winter, a researcher for the counter-extremism think tank Quilliam, said the propaganda was likely an attempt by ISIS to suggest bombing campaigns by the US-led coalition had not managed to destabilise the group or life in territories under its self-declared caliphate.
Photograph: ISIS release
Photograph: ISIS release
20:29 Sino-Indian relationship has strategic meaning, says Chinese FM spokesperson
"China & India are the two biggest developing countries in world and important emerging economies. China-India relationship has strategic meaning and global influence," said Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, on PM Modis upcoming visit.
Modi is expected to be hosted by Xi at ancient Chinese city of Xian, the capital of the Chinese President's home province on May 14, where he would reciprocate the hometown diplomacy displayed by the Indian leader during Xi's visit to Ahmedabad last year.
The two leaders were expected to spend considerable time to have informal dialogue on a host of issues before settling for formal talks on May 15 in Beijing.
20:19
Salman seen entering his residence at Bandra's posh Galaxy Apartments.
20:16 Salman Khan reaches home
Salman Khan has arrived at his residence after what seemed like an unending day.
Mumbai sessions court had today morning sentenced Bollywood star Salman Khan to five years in jail for killing a homeless man in a 2002 hit-and-run driving incident in Mumbai.
Salman was granted a two-day interim bail by the Bombay high court.
20:04 UK's Conservatives lead Labour by 1 point before election says poll
British Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative Party is one point ahead of the opposition Labour Party before Thursday's election, according to a poll carried out by research firm Opinium and published on Wednesday.
The poll put Cameron's party on 35 per cent, unchanged from a previous Opinium poll, and Labour also unchanged at 34 per cent.
Support for anti-European Union UKIP fell one point to 12 per cent, the Liberal Democrats were unchanged at 8 per cent and the Greens rose one point to 6 per cent, Opinium said.
20:00 France supports India as permanent UN Security Council member
Asserting that the UN must reform to reflect contemporary realities, veto-wielding permanent member France has voiced support for India in an expanded UN Security Council.
Permanent Representative of France to the UN, Franois Delattre said at a session of the General Assembly to commemorate the victims of World War II that 70 years after the creation of the UN, the world of 2015 no longer has much to do with that of 1945.
"The UN must adapt and reform to reflect the world we live in today. The reform of the Security Council is urgent and crucial in this regard.
"France supports an enlargement of the Council in both categories of membership, permanent and non-permanent and supports Germany, Japan, which deserves to be mentioned today, but also India, Brazil and African representation," according to the English translation of the French ambassador's remarks.
Apart from France, other permanent members - the US, Britain, and Russia - have also supported India's candidature as a permanent member of a reformed Security Council, the most powerful organ of the UN.
India, the world's largest democracy and a rising economic and world power, has said that it is a rightful claimant to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, along with Japan, Germany and Brazil - the G4 group of nations.
19:47
"Appeal has already been filed, he has been bailed out, HC has put no restrictions on him," said Defence Counsel Shrikant Shivade about Salman Khan's bail.
It's a two-day reprieve for the actor. The Mumbai High Court will hear his bail plea on Friday. The interim bail was granted on the grounds that the court had not received the full bail order.
19:30
Interesting point made by Naresh Fernandes @tajmahalfoxtrot: NB: Salman Khan's five years for killing a man is the severity of a sentence for eating beef in Maharashtra.
19:28 Salman Khan leaves Sessions Court, heads home
It's a two-day reprieve for the actor. The Mumbai High Court will hear his bail plea on Friday. The interim bail was granted on the grounds that the court had not received the full bail order.
19:22 Salman Khan leaves Sessions Court
Salman Khan leaves the Mumbai sessions court. Media circus outside as his gets into his SUV and heads home to Bandra house. And no, he is not driving the SUV. His driver Ashok Singh is at the wheel.
19:09 Bail order reaches Sessions Court, Salman to head home shortly
Mumbai: Salman Khan's lawyer brings the copy of the bail order to Sessions Court. Salman to leave from Sessions Court shortly.
19:03 Sonakshi slams Abhijeet
Sonakshi Sinha tweets: I support my friend but i would never support such insensitive and negative talk. Please dont tag me in ur tweets @abhijeetsinger sir.
That's in response to Abhijeet's tweet, which earlier in the day, where he blamed the victims for sleeping on the road: "Kutta road pe soyega kutte ki maut marega, roads garib ke baap ki nahi hai. I was homeless a year, never slept on road @BeingSalmanKhan @sonakshisinha. Suicide is crime so is sleeping on footpath.. 80% homeless film people struggled achieved stardom but never slept on footpath."
That's in response to Abhijeet's tweet, which earlier in the day, where he blamed the victims for sleeping on the road: "Kutta road pe soyega kutte ki maut marega, roads garib ke baap ki nahi hai. I was homeless a year, never slept on road @BeingSalmanKhan @sonakshisinha. Suicide is crime so is sleeping on footpath.. 80% homeless film people struggled achieved stardom but never slept on footpath."
18:55
Malaika Arora Khan arrives at Salman Khan's residence. Malaika is married to Salman's brother, Arbaaz.
18:52
Rewind: A tense Salman Khan hugged his mother Salma this morning before he left for the court hearing. Pic: Sahil Salvi.
18:43 No lights, fans but plenty of action as Salman Khan is sentenced
No tears were shed in the court-room on Wednesday when the superstar was convicted in a hit-and-run case. But there were plenty of Bollywood moments, reports Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com. Read
Pic: Salim Khan with Salman as the actor left for court this morning.
Pic: Salim Khan with Salman as the actor left for court this morning.
18:40 What happens to these films?
The court verdict has put many Salman starrers in jeopardy. These are the projects Salman Khan has been working on. Read
18:36 Salman's 'bad boy' image nailed him
Initially facing two years jail, the actor was hit with a stricter legal provision following a public outcry, reports Syed Firdaus Ashraf. Read
18:33 All the drama inside the courtroom today
During sentencing the judge asked Salman, "What do you have to say? Maximum sentence of 10 years?
Salman said, "You are the judge; whatever you say is correct."
Sonil Dedhia/Rediff.com on the courtroom drama as the actor is convicted in a 2002 hit-and-run case.
Salman said, "You are the judge; whatever you say is correct."
Sonil Dedhia/Rediff.com on the courtroom drama as the actor is convicted in a 2002 hit-and-run case.
18:30 Convict Salman, family served vada pav, cold drinks in court
Salman Khan and entourage served vada paav and cold drinks at the sessions court. When was the last time you heard a person convicted of killing one man was being treated to snacks by the government?
Khan was sentenced to five years in jail by a Mumbai sessions court, which convicted him of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the 2002 hit-and-run case. Sessions court judge D W Deshpande ruled "all charges" against the actor have been proved, including the stringent charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, besides various other offences, including rash and negligent driving and driving under influence of liquor.
Khan was sentenced to five years in jail by a Mumbai sessions court, which convicted him of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the 2002 hit-and-run case. Sessions court judge D W Deshpande ruled "all charges" against the actor have been proved, including the stringent charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, besides various other offences, including rash and negligent driving and driving under influence of liquor.
18:23 Rajya Sabha passes historic Bangladesh land boundary bill
The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill to operationalise the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh, and the exchange of certain enclaves of land between the two countries.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Nineteenth Amendment) Bill, 2013 was unanimously passed by the upper house, with 180 votes in favour and zero against it.
The Bill to operationalise the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh was on Tuesday cleared by the Union Cabinet and now includes territories in Assam along with those in West Bengal, Tripura and Meghalaya.
Highly placed sources said government has already talked to various parties in the Upper House, where an earlier bill in this regard is pending since December 2013.
Government had earlier proposed to bring the bill in Lok Sabha, but faced stiff opposition from the opposition that wanted that territories in Assam be included in it.
The inclusion of Assam territories in the Bill indicates government's resolve to get the legislation cleared after bringing all parties on board.
Government will bring the Constitutional Amendment Bill for ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh. It would require ratification of at least 50 per cent of the state legislatures before it comes into effect. The clearing of the Bill by Union Cabinet comes a day after the top leadership of BJP and RSS discussed the bill with its Assam leaders and decided to include the territories pertaining to the state.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Nineteenth Amendment) Bill, 2013 was unanimously passed by the upper house, with 180 votes in favour and zero against it.
The Bill to operationalise the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh was on Tuesday cleared by the Union Cabinet and now includes territories in Assam along with those in West Bengal, Tripura and Meghalaya.
Highly placed sources said government has already talked to various parties in the Upper House, where an earlier bill in this regard is pending since December 2013.
Government had earlier proposed to bring the bill in Lok Sabha, but faced stiff opposition from the opposition that wanted that territories in Assam be included in it.
The inclusion of Assam territories in the Bill indicates government's resolve to get the legislation cleared after bringing all parties on board.
Government will bring the Constitutional Amendment Bill for ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh. It would require ratification of at least 50 per cent of the state legislatures before it comes into effect. The clearing of the Bill by Union Cabinet comes a day after the top leadership of BJP and RSS discussed the bill with its Assam leaders and decided to include the territories pertaining to the state.
18:14
Preity Zinta @realpreityzinta Cancelled my trip2 Bangalore 4the #kxip game as I'm still not well & emotionally am not up2 it. Hope the boys play well & give me a reason2 smile.
18:06
The Bombay High Court to hear Salman Khan's regular bail plea on Friday.
18:03 Salman to leave sessions court shortly for home
Home sweet home for Salman Khan. Salman leaves sessions court for Galaxy Apartments, Bandra. It should take an hour for him to get home to Bandra. It will take two days for sessions court to deliver certified copy.
17:54 Salman leaves court for home
Home sweet home for Salman Khan. Salman leaves sessions court for Galaxy Apartments, Bandra. It should take an hour for him to get home.
17:29
And this is the vehicle, he will be taking a ride home in today. Salman's car arrives at the sessions court.
17:26
This was the police vehicle parked at the Sessions Court today, that Salman Khan would have taken a ride in if he had not got bail.
17:15 Salman will not go to jail today
Salman Khan will not go to jail today. Glimpse of a smile on his sister Alvira Agnihotri's face. Seen here with Salman Khan's lawyer Shrikant Shivade.
17:12 Salman awaits bail order in sessions court
Back to the Salman story.
The bail order has to reach the sessions court from the High Court before Salman Khan can go back home to Galaxy Apartments.
The High Court goes on vacation on Friday, but there are vacation benches set up to hear urgent cases.
The bail order has to reach the sessions court from the High Court before Salman Khan can go back home to Galaxy Apartments.
The High Court goes on vacation on Friday, but there are vacation benches set up to hear urgent cases.
17:05
Somebody's idea of a joke. Edward Snowden Is Not Dead, Despite Twitter Rumors. Read
16:58 Edward Snowden dead?
To interrupt the Salman commentary, Vladimir Kolokoltsev @RussiaIntMinist tweets to say former NSA contractor Edward J. Snowden was found died few minutes ago in his home. No details.
Unconfirmed as yet.
Unconfirmed as yet.
16:56 Salman's bail ends on Friday
This means Salman Khan can stay out of jail till Friday, May 8, which is also when the Bombay High Court goes on vacation.
Huge, huge relief for Salman Khan, his family and friends. Salman is still at the sessions court. His sisters Alvira and Arpita are at the Bombay High Court.
Huge, huge relief for Salman Khan, his family and friends. Salman is still at the sessions court. His sisters Alvira and Arpita are at the Bombay High Court.
16:53 Bombay High court grants 2-day interim bail to Salman
Noted Supreme Court lawyer Harish Salve challenges the sessions court order of a five year sentence, in the High Court. "Have received only operative part of the order. You cannot put someone in jail without a proper court order," Salve argues.
Bombay High has now granted a 2-day interim bail to Salman.
Salve argued that a convict cannot be put in jail without a proper order. Salve argued his client has not got the complete order yet. He argued that Salman had received only the operative part of the order.
Bombay High has now granted a 2-day interim bail to Salman.
Salve argued that a convict cannot be put in jail without a proper order. Salve argued his client has not got the complete order yet. He argued that Salman had received only the operative part of the order.
16:48 Rs 200 crore riding on Salman Khan
A whopping Rs 200 crore is riding on Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who was today convicted of all charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, in the 2002 hit-and-run case. The 49-year-old actor, who essayed many popular roles in blockbusters over a successful career spanning over two-and-a-half decades, has still many projects to be completed, apart from endorsements of products.
16:45
Neil Nitin Mukesh @NeilNMukesh I FULLY SUPPORT @BeingSalmanKhan... upset on hearing the verdict. He is a strong man.with everyone's love for him he will See this through.
16:38 Non-stop coverage on Salman in Pakistan
@YusraSAskari tweets: Why is Salman Khan's conviction breaking news in Pakistan? Non-stop coverage. Don't we have enough happening at home to report on?
16:36
Indian Express reports that Supreme Court lawyer Harish Salve @hsalve is appearing on a 10-minute notice to appear for #Salman Khan.
16:24
Salman Khan's bail plea hearing begins.
16:17 Salman's bail hearing at 4 pm, Harish Salve will represent him
Supreme Court lawyer Harish Salve to represent Salman Khan during his bail application in the High Court. The court proceedings to begin shortly. The high court goes into recess from Friday.
Salman's counsel moves court for a bail application on health grounds. His lawyers had furnished a health report to the sessions court earlier that Salman had heart problems and was suffering from a neurological condition.
Salman's counsel moves court for a bail application on health grounds. His lawyers had furnished a health report to the sessions court earlier that Salman had heart problems and was suffering from a neurological condition.
16:09
Alia Bhatt who is regularly panned for being 'low IQ', posted the most sensible tweet: "It hurts when your own are punished, even if they are in the wrong. We love you and are standing by you."
16:05 Commander save me, Salman said
The friend who deposed against Salman Khan. Francis Fernandes was a friend and neighbour of Salman Khan. The actor calls him
Commander. A resident of Hill Road where the accident took place,
Fernandes told the court that he had helped Salman get away from the
scene after the actor told him, Commander Save me. However, the
defence team argued that Salman had asked him to save the injured
persons trapped under the car.
16:03 Compensation not punishment says victim
Abdullah Rauf Shaikh, who lost a leg in the accident, says, "Nobody came to visit me in the last 13 years. I am forced to do petty jobs to support my family and face a lot of problems. If Salman is punished, I will not be benefited in any way as neither my leg will heal nor my problems would go away. Instead if they compensate us then we do not have any problem."
15:57
Milind Deora defends his tweet: Law is & must remain equal for all. As Salman's friend, one feels bad. I feel worse for those who died. @ShivAroor setback to a friend. That doesn't mean I'm anti the verdict or indifferent to those who died.
Deora had tweeted earlier:India's judiciary may have spoken, but for those of us whose lives @BeingSalmanKhan has touched so deeply, his sentence is a major setback
Deora had tweeted earlier:India's judiciary may have spoken, but for those of us whose lives @BeingSalmanKhan has touched so deeply, his sentence is a major setback
15:55
Breaking: Naveen Jindal and other 14 accused summoned on 22 May in coal block allocation case
15:34 Medical examination before Salman is taken to jail
Salman will also be taken for a medical examination before being sent to jail. Salman's lawyers had told the court today that he had heart and neurological problems. The judge had remained unmoved.
Salman will spend the night in jail, but no clarity on which jail as yet. Reports say it may be Arthur Road jail. Sentences for all charges against Salman to run concurrently.
Salman has been fined Rs 25,000 not Rs 25 lakh as reported earlier.
Salman will spend the night in jail, but no clarity on which jail as yet. Reports say it may be Arthur Road jail. Sentences for all charges against Salman to run concurrently.
Salman has been fined Rs 25,000 not Rs 25 lakh as reported earlier.
15:34
Salman Khan's sisters Alvira and Arpita are at the High Court.
15:19 High Court to hear Salman's bail application at 4 pm
Bombay High Court to hear Salman Khan's bail application at 4 pm.
It's wait and watch for the actor and his family.
It's wait and watch for the actor and his family.
15:07 Salman's lawyers move high court for bail
And this is what Salman Khan will be wearing in jail.
Just kidding. The picture was tweeted by dharmesh thakkar @news_houndz
And yes, Salman's lawyers move high court for bail. If the actor had been given a three year jail term, the bail could have been given by the sessions court.
Just kidding. The picture was tweeted by dharmesh thakkar @news_houndz
And yes, Salman's lawyers move high court for bail. If the actor had been given a three year jail term, the bail could have been given by the sessions court.
15:04
"Court will give the formal order after judicial custody. We have to follow process," Satya Narayan (Investigating Officer). Judge Deshpande praised Narayan and public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat saying they had very good work on the case.
14:54
Ramesh Srivats @rameshsrivats tweets: #SalmanVerdict Salman Khan should now appeal to Arnab Goswami to cut short his sentence.
14:52
Veteran actor Raza Murad who arrived at Galaxy apartments earlier today, said, "It's a 17 year imprisonment not a five year. 12 years have passed, five are left. We are human beings and we all make mistakes. Salman has so much of goodness in him that it nullifies the bad. He is not a manifested criminal; he is a good citizen. Salman donates in such a manner that the left hand doesn't even know that the right hand has done charity. He also pays loads of tax to the government like a responsible citizen. A very significant witness was missing in the court. His name is Kamaal khan. So, when the appeal is made to the higher court, Kamaal Khan's statement might change tables around."
The sense that one gets from social media is complete empathy for Salman Khan. The actor tried to get his driver to get to be the fall guy.
The sense that one gets from social media is complete empathy for Salman Khan. The actor tried to get his driver to get to be the fall guy.
14:41
Shekhar Gupta @ShekharGupta tweets: Harsh truth, but Salman made spoilt-brat dadagiri sexy for booming yet attitudinally lumpenising middle India.Sadly, he took it to real life.
14:38
Salman Khan's lawyers to get the detailed judgment at 4 pm.
14:36 Stoic Salman did NOT break down in court today
Sensational case, but unnecessary sensationalism?
Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com says refutes media reports that Salman Khan wept as Judge Deshpande handed out his sentence. Firdaus called in to say that not once did Salman or his family break down in the courtroom today.
Media reports had earlier said that Salman had also broken down when the judge pronounced him guilty, which Firdaus said was not true. Salman looked dejected but stoic, and did not break down.
Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com says refutes media reports that Salman Khan wept as Judge Deshpande handed out his sentence. Firdaus called in to say that not once did Salman or his family break down in the courtroom today.
Media reports had earlier said that Salman had also broken down when the judge pronounced him guilty, which Firdaus said was not true. Salman looked dejected but stoic, and did not break down.
14:28 Salman has heart trouble, lawyers had said
Salman Khan's lawyers certainly came prepared to court. In the morning, they produced a health certificate in the court claiming that the actor has a heart problem. The judge remained unmoved.
Click on the picture for a larger image.
Click on the picture for a larger image.
14:19
Loved this one from dharmesh thakkar @news_houndz
14:18
Former Congress MP @milinddeora tweets: India's judiciary may have spoken, but for those of us whose lives @BeingSalmanKhan has touched so deeply, his sentence is a major setback.
14:15 Lok Sabha passes GST Bill
And it may interest you to know that the opposition has listened to Arun Jaitley beseeching the Lok Sabha to pass the GST Bill. The lower house has just passed the bill.
14:13 Kutta road pe soyega... Abhijeet deflects blame
Another whopper of a tweet from singer Abhijeet. The perfect soulmate for Farah Khan.
@abhijeetsinger Kutta rd pe soyega kutte ki maut marega, roads garib ke baap ki nahi hai I ws homles an year nvr slept on rd @BeingSalmanKhan @sonakshisinha.
And he continues...
Suicide is crime so is sleeping on footpath..80% homeles film ppl strugld achievd stardom but never slept on footpath.
@abhijeetsinger Kutta rd pe soyega kutte ki maut marega, roads garib ke baap ki nahi hai I ws homles an year nvr slept on rd @BeingSalmanKhan @sonakshisinha.
And he continues...
Suicide is crime so is sleeping on footpath..80% homeles film ppl strugld achievd stardom but never slept on footpath.
14:08 Copy of the judgment any time now
Public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat says that the the Sessions Court accepted Salman Khan's fault. "Copy of judgement yet to reach me," he said.
Salman Khan's lawyer says no decision on appeal till they have a copy of the judgement in their hands. The defence lawyers will approach the high court as soon as they get a copy of the judgment.
Detailed copy of the order was expected at 2 pm.
Salman Khan's lawyer says no decision on appeal till they have a copy of the judgement in their hands. The defence lawyers will approach the high court as soon as they get a copy of the judgment.
Detailed copy of the order was expected at 2 pm.
14:00 In support...
Rishi Kapoor @chintskap tweets: The Kapoors are with the Khans in their difficult time. Time is the biggest healer. God Bless!
Sania Mirza @MirzaSania tweets: Nothing else to say... Except stay strong @BeingSalmanKhan ..like u always have..
Sania Mirza @MirzaSania tweets: Nothing else to say... Except stay strong @BeingSalmanKhan ..like u always have..
13:57 The bodyguard who said Salman was behind the wheel
The story of Ravindra Patil, Salman Khan's bodyguard who died alone, saying it was Salman behind the wheel. Read
13:54 The most bizarre response to Salman's sentencing
We understand the film industry stands by Salman in possibly the darkest period of his life, but Farah Khan's (producer Sanjay Khan's daughter) tweet is simply bizarre.
@FarahKhanAli The govt should be responsible for housing ppl. If no 1was sleeping on d road in any other country Salman wuld not have driven over anybody. It's like penalising a train driver because someone decided to cross the tracks and got killed in the bargain.
@FarahKhanAli The govt should be responsible for housing ppl. If no 1was sleeping on d road in any other country Salman wuld not have driven over anybody. It's like penalising a train driver because someone decided to cross the tracks and got killed in the bargain.
13:48 Salman breaks down in court, to be taken directly to jail
A shocked Salman Khan in tears as he hears the sentence.
Sonil Dedhia/Rediff.com reporting from the sessions court says Salman told Judge Deshpande that he respects the judgment and sat down in the witness box. The bail hearing will be held in the high court, not the sessions court where the sentencing took place.
Sonil Dedhia/Rediff.com reporting from the sessions court says Salman told Judge Deshpande that he respects the judgment and sat down in the witness box. The bail hearing will be held in the high court, not the sessions court where the sentencing took place.
13:43 Salman fined Rs 25 lakh, will be sent to jail immediately.
Small comfort that Bollywood stands strongly behind Salman. Arjun Kapoor tweets: "It doesn't matter what anyone or any court says he doesn't deserve this at any level...will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what..."
Salman has also been fined Rs 25 lakh. He will be sent to jail immediately.
Defence seeks order copy, says wants to move to the high court by 2pm.
Salman has also been fined Rs 25 lakh. He will be sent to jail immediately.
Defence seeks order copy, says wants to move to the high court by 2pm.
13:36 No expression on Salman's face as court sentences him
Salman Khan had no expression on his face, no tears, head was tilted down when Judge DW Deshpande announced the 5-year jail term.
The defence had said that Salman Khan had already paid Rs 19 lakh in 2002 itself to the injured and that this was the first time compensation was given before the trial. He had asked the judge to consider this before delivering the quantum of sentence.
Public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat had pushed for the maximum punishment of 10 years to Salman Khan.
Salman likely to be taken to Arthur Road jail.
The defence had said that Salman Khan had already paid Rs 19 lakh in 2002 itself to the injured and that this was the first time compensation was given before the trial. He had asked the judge to consider this before delivering the quantum of sentence.
Public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat had pushed for the maximum punishment of 10 years to Salman Khan.
Salman likely to be taken to Arthur Road jail.
13:32 Salman has to apply to the high court for bail
Salman Khan's judicial custody begins immediately. The court has ruled against further compensation to the victims of the 2002 accident.
The court goes on vacation next week.
The court goes on vacation next week.
13:29 Salman Khan sentenced to five years in jail
Breaking news: Actor Salman Khan has been sentenced to five years in jail. That's half the jail term under culpable homicide not amounting to murder which attracts a 10-year jail term. He has to now apply to the High Court for bail since the term is above three years.
The charges are:
1. Salman Khan is charged under IPC sections 304 part II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) which attracts upto 10 years in prison. This is the most serious charge.
2. 279 (rash and negligent driving) which stipulates six months jail;
3 and 4. 337 & 338 (causing hurt by act endangering life and causing grievous hurt respectively) with punishment up to two years, and
5. 427 (mischief causing damage to property) with maximum punishment of upto two years.
Under Motor Vehicle Act, the actor is charged with
6. Sections 34 (a), (b) read with 181 (driving vehicle in contravention of rules) and
7. 185 (driving at great speed after consuming alcohol).
8. Salman Khan is also charged under sections of Bombay Prohibition Act relating to driving under influence of alcohol with maximum six months' jail.
The charges are:
1. Salman Khan is charged under IPC sections 304 part II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) which attracts upto 10 years in prison. This is the most serious charge.
2. 279 (rash and negligent driving) which stipulates six months jail;
3 and 4. 337 & 338 (causing hurt by act endangering life and causing grievous hurt respectively) with punishment up to two years, and
5. 427 (mischief causing damage to property) with maximum punishment of upto two years.
Under Motor Vehicle Act, the actor is charged with
6. Sections 34 (a), (b) read with 181 (driving vehicle in contravention of rules) and
7. 185 (driving at great speed after consuming alcohol).
8. Salman Khan is also charged under sections of Bombay Prohibition Act relating to driving under influence of alcohol with maximum six months' jail.
13:26 Sonakshi Sinha arrives at Salman's home
Bollywood stars trickle in to Salman's home at Galaxy Apartments in Bandra. Sonakshi Sinha arrives.
13:25 Judge enters courtroom, sentencing any time now
Judge Deshpande enters court after a 45 minute recess. Sentencing any time now.
Media reports say that Salman's mother, Salma, is in a state of shock and has taken ill. Sohail Khan who was at court in the morning, rushed home at the news.
Media reports say that Salman's mother, Salma, is in a state of shock and has taken ill. Sohail Khan who was at court in the morning, rushed home at the news.
13:19 Salman chats with sisters, sentencing any time now
Salman chats with sisters Alvira and Arpita, as they wait for the judge to deliver the sentence.
And in Bandra, Preity Zinta and Sonakshi Sinha reach Galaxy apartments (Salman Khan's residence).
And in Bandra, Preity Zinta and Sonakshi Sinha reach Galaxy apartments (Salman Khan's residence).
13:13 Tense wait inside courtroom
Salman Khan inside the courtroom with Congress MLA Baba Siddiqui and sisters Alvira and Arpita as everyone waits for the judge to arrive to announce the sentence.
To recap, the prosecution has pushed for the maximum sentence of 10 years. The defence asks for a maximum of three years.
To recap, the prosecution has pushed for the maximum sentence of 10 years. The defence asks for a maximum of three years.
13:08
Babul Supriyo tweets his sympathies for Salman: Heart wrenching, but law takes its course. But in past judges have reduced punishment keeping in mind humanitarian work:
13:07 Salman to be sentenced at 1:10 pm, no electricity inside courtroom
Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com reports that power has gone off inside the courtroom. With media, friends, family packed like sardines inside the courtroom, it's difficult to breathe. The sentencing is supposed to be delivered at 1:10 pm.
13:03
Friends stand by Salman: Kunal Kohli @kunalkohli Heartbroken at the verdict against @BeingSalmanKhan. Prayers and strength to him & his wonderful family.
13:02
This is what the defence was talking about when it said that the judge should lenient when pronouncing the sentencing -- community service and charity. "Salmanbhai helped us when my dad was pronounced with cancer, he shouldn't be given strict punishment," said a fan.
12:57
Salman's ex-girlfriend Sangeeta Bijlani visits the actor's home at Galaxy Apartments, in Bandra.
12:54
#SalmanVerdict Sohail Khan (in grey T-shirt) reaches Galaxy Apartments (Salman Khan's residence). Mother Salma is reported to have fallen ill after the guilty verdict.
12:49 Sonia takes on Modi govt on 'Deplorable' lapses in RTI Act
Meanwhile, in Parliament, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today sharply attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government.
In a statement in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi criticized what she called the "deplorable lapse" in not appointing key officials, including the Chief Information Commissioner, reports NDTV.
She also used the term "deplorable" to describe "lack of interest" in punishing those responsible for delaying public services. "Protecting the wrongdoer cannot be any government's ethos," she said. "The government must match its words of fighting corruption with action."
Gandhi directly targeted PM Modi, saying, "The PM in the election campaign made many fraudulent promises about transparency. And continues to do so. In a blatant U-turn , his government, through the absence of a Chief Information Commissioner, has made sure that the highest offices are not accountable under the RTI Act."
The Congress president made the statement after the Speaker denied her adjournment motion - her first since a new Lok Sabha was elected last year - but allowed her to speak.
In a statement in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi criticized what she called the "deplorable lapse" in not appointing key officials, including the Chief Information Commissioner, reports NDTV.
She also used the term "deplorable" to describe "lack of interest" in punishing those responsible for delaying public services. "Protecting the wrongdoer cannot be any government's ethos," she said. "The government must match its words of fighting corruption with action."
Gandhi directly targeted PM Modi, saying, "The PM in the election campaign made many fraudulent promises about transparency. And continues to do so. In a blatant U-turn , his government, through the absence of a Chief Information Commissioner, has made sure that the highest offices are not accountable under the RTI Act."
The Congress president made the statement after the Speaker denied her adjournment motion - her first since a new Lok Sabha was elected last year - but allowed her to speak.
12:33 All the eight charges Salman has been charged with
1. Salman Khan is charged under IPC sections 304 part II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) which attracts upto 10 years in prison. This is the most serious charge.
2. 279 (rash and negligent driving) which stipulates six months jail;
3 and 4. 337 & 338 (causing hurt by act endangering life and causing grievous hurt respectively) with punishment up to two years, and
5. 427 (mischief causing damage to property) with maximum punishment of upto two years.
Under Motor Vehicle Act, the actor is charged with
6. Sections 34 (a), (b) read with 181 (driving vehicle in contravention of rules) and
7. 185 (driving at great speed after consuming alcohol).
8. Salman Khan is also charged under sections of Bombay Prohibition Act relating to driving under influence of alcohol with maximum six months' jail.
2. 279 (rash and negligent driving) which stipulates six months jail;
3 and 4. 337 & 338 (causing hurt by act endangering life and causing grievous hurt respectively) with punishment up to two years, and
5. 427 (mischief causing damage to property) with maximum punishment of upto two years.
Under Motor Vehicle Act, the actor is charged with
6. Sections 34 (a), (b) read with 181 (driving vehicle in contravention of rules) and
7. 185 (driving at great speed after consuming alcohol).
8. Salman Khan is also charged under sections of Bombay Prohibition Act relating to driving under influence of alcohol with maximum six months' jail.
12:30 Salman to be sentenced at 1:10 pm
Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com reporting from the sessions court says the sentencing will be announced at 1:10 pm.
12:28 Prosecution asks for max punishment of 10 years, sentencing after lunch
Defence lawyer says Salman Khan paid Rs 19 lakh in 2002 itself to the injured and that this was the first time compensation was given before the trial. He asks the judge to consider this before delivering the quantum of sentence.
Public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat will not be swayed and asks Judge Deshpande to give the maximum punishment of 10 years to Salman Khan.
Public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat will not be swayed and asks Judge Deshpande to give the maximum punishment of 10 years to Salman Khan.
12:25 Salman Khan's never-ending list of troubles
We revisit the actor's many controversies over the years. Take a look
12:23 Treat me as ordinary citizen, not actor, Salman tells judge
Complete chaos outside room 52 of the sessions court as fans break the police cordon and enter the premises. Salman Khan tells the judge, "I have suffered a trial as an ordinary citizen and therefore should be treated as that and not an actor." The prosecution seeks maximum punishment (10 years for culpable homicide not amounting to murder). Defense pleads for a lesser sentence, cites Salman's humanitarian work.
12:18 Please don't give sentence more than 3 years, begs Salman's lawyer
Sonil Dedhia/Rediff.com, reports that Salman Khan lawyer's talks about the actor's Being Human initiative and the fact that he sponsored heart surgeries of 600 children. Salman is now standing in the witness box in the courtroom, as his lawyer continues arguments for reducing the quantum of sentence.
Salman faces a maximum of 10 years under the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Salman Khan's lawyer Shrikant Shivade tells the judge: Please do not give a sentence of more than 3 years.
Salman faces a maximum of 10 years under the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Salman Khan's lawyer Shrikant Shivade tells the judge: Please do not give a sentence of more than 3 years.
12:13 Arguments of sentencing interrupted as media, police assault each other
Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com reporting from the sessions court says that media and police have now started physically assaulting each other outside courtroom 52. And there is complete chaos. Inside the courtroom, Salman Khan dressed in a white shirt and jeans, is sitting in the witness box. He looks dejected and has been quiet. Firdaus said reports that Salman was weeping after he was convicted were untrue.
Sonil Dhedia/Rediff.com, says that the defence is arguing that the quantum of sentencing should be reduced looking at Salman's charity work. Raised funds worth Rs 42 crore, heart surgery for 600 children.
Police has now shut the doors of courtroom 52 after spat with media, a section of the media stranded outside the courtroom.
Sonil Dhedia/Rediff.com, says that the defence is arguing that the quantum of sentencing should be reduced looking at Salman's charity work. Raised funds worth Rs 42 crore, heart surgery for 600 children.
Police has now shut the doors of courtroom 52 after spat with media, a section of the media stranded outside the courtroom.
12:03 Court hearing arguments for sentencing
Court, after convicting Salman, is hearing his lawyer's arguments on the quantum of punishment.
Ironical, that on December 19, Salman Khan @BeingSalmanKhan tweeted: The most heinous crime is killing an innocent.
Ironical, that on December 19, Salman Khan @BeingSalmanKhan tweeted: The most heinous crime is killing an innocent.
12:01 Feel sad for Salman: Hema Malini
The judge while delivering the verdict asked Salman what he had to say on the verdict to Salman denied charges saying he was NOT driving the car at the time of mishap.
The judge praised public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat and the investigating officer in the case saying that they had done a good job.
BJP MP Hema Malini said she felt sad on hearing about Salman's conviction. "I pray that Salman's sentence will not be long," she said.
The judge praised public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat and the investigating officer in the case saying that they had done a good job.
BJP MP Hema Malini said she felt sad on hearing about Salman's conviction. "I pray that Salman's sentence will not be long," she said.
11:54 Salman's mother falls ill after verdict, Sohail leaves court
Salman Khan's lawyer Shrikant Shivade cites the Alistair Pereira and BMW hit and run Nanda case for a reduced sentence of two years. Alistair Anthony Pereira was sentenced to jail for for three years for running over seven people.
Salman's brother Sohail Khan leaves court after he is informed that their mother, Salma, has fallen ill after hearing the verdict.
Salman's brother Sohail Khan leaves court after he is informed that their mother, Salma, has fallen ill after hearing the verdict.
11:53
If Salman Khan is convicted more than three years, he has to approach the Bombay HC. If Salman is convicted for less than three years, he can approach the Sessions court for bail. However, the biggest hurdle Salman faces is that the Bombay HC goes on vacation next week if he has to apply for bail.
11:50 The list of charges Salman has been convicted under
304 II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder)
279 (rash and negligent driving)
337 (causing minor injuries)
338 (causing major injuries)
427 ( negligence)
Motor Vehicle Act
Sections 34 (a)
181 (driving vehicle in contravention of rules)
185 (driving at great speed after consuming alcohol).
279 (rash and negligent driving)
337 (causing minor injuries)
338 (causing major injuries)
427 ( negligence)
Motor Vehicle Act
Sections 34 (a)
181 (driving vehicle in contravention of rules)
185 (driving at great speed after consuming alcohol).
11:41 You are a liar, court tells Salman's driver Ashok Singh
Salman Khan's lawyer pleads with judge for a maximum sentence of two years and a fine, keeping in mind Salman Khan's humanitarian work. The court also said Ashok Singh, Salman's driver was a liar and may charge him with perjury.
Ashok Singh, the sole witness of the defence had said he was driving and crashed after the front left tyre burst, making steering and braking difficult. In fact, Ashok Singh drove Salman to court today.
Ashok Singh, the sole witness of the defence had said he was driving and crashed after the front left tyre burst, making steering and braking difficult. In fact, Ashok Singh drove Salman to court today.
11:35 Hearing of the sentencing on
Salman Khan's brothers Sohail and Arbaaz Khan come out of the court room. Arguments for sentencing still on. If he is charged with culpable homicide and if he gets more than three years (maximum 10 years) he will be taken into custody immediately. The hearing of his bail application could take a couple of days.
11:32 My heart goes out to Salman's family: Priya Dutt
Former MP Priya Dutt says her heart goes out to Salman Khan. "He will come out of this much stronger. He has his family supporting him. It is tough for anybody to face something like this. These are opportunities to set examples."
11:31 Arguments for sentencing begin
Supreme Court lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani says that Salman could get over three years in the culpable homicide charge. Quantum of punishment likely to be announced soon. The defence is likely to push for his bail right away. Arguments for sentencing begin.
11:26 Salman breaks down after verdict
Media reports say Salman Khan breaks down after verdict. Judge Despande found the actor guilty of ALL charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
File picture (obviously)
File picture (obviously)
11:23 Salman Khan guilty of culpable homicide, attracts 10 years in jail
The judge has clearly not bought the defence claim that Salman Khan's driver Ashok Singh was behind the wheel when the accident took place. Salman Khan has been held guilty on ALL counts. Culpable homicide not amounting to murder 304(II) is the most serious charge against the actor.
Salman Khan looking extremely dejected inside the court.
A witness said they did not necessarily want Salman to go to jail, but they wanted the case to end.
Salman Khan looking extremely dejected inside the court.
A witness said they did not necessarily want Salman to go to jail, but they wanted the case to end.
11:17 Judge: ALL eight charges against Salman Khan have been proved
Judge Deshpande has said that ALL the eight charges against Salman Khan have been proved, which includes culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The judge is reading out the order as you read this. The verdict came almost immediately as the session opened. Salman can of course appeal, but he is likely to be taken into custody immediately.
For how long Salman will go to jail, will have to be seen.
Culpable homicide not amounting to murder attracts a maximum of 10 years in jail.
The judge is reading out the order as you read this. The verdict came almost immediately as the session opened. Salman can of course appeal, but he is likely to be taken into custody immediately.
For how long Salman will go to jail, will have to be seen.
Culpable homicide not amounting to murder attracts a maximum of 10 years in jail.
11:14 Salman Khan found GUILTY in 2002 hit-and-run case
A Mumbai sessions court has pronounced actor Salman Khan guilty in the 2202 hit-and-run case. The Bollywood superstar rammed his Land Cruiser into a Mumbai bakery in the early hours of September 28, 2002, killing 1 and injuring 4 who were asleep on the footpath.
The judgement in the over 12-year-old case, was finally given today. The case saw many twists and turns and can now mar the career of the actor on whom ride investments of over Rs 200 crore.
The actor has claimed he was not at the wheel at the time of the accident which killed one person and left four others injured on the night of September 28, 2002. While the prosecution has insisted that a drunk Khan was driving the Toyota Land Cruiser that ran over the victims sleeping on the pavement outside a bakery in suburban Bandra, the actor has claimed it was his driver Ashok Singh who was behind the wheel.
The actor has been charged under IPC sections 304 part II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) which attracts up to 10 years in prison; 279 (rash and negligent driving) which stipulates six months jail; 337 & 338 (causing hurt by act endangering life and causing grievous hurt respectively) with punishment up to two years, and 427 (mischief causing damage to property) with maximum punishment of up to two years.
Under Motor Vehicles Act, Khan has been charged under Sections 34(a), (b) read with 181 (driving vehicle in contravention of rules) and 185 (driving at great speed after consuming alcohol).
He has also been charged under provisions of Bombay Prohibition Act relating to driving under influence of alcohol which provides for maximum six months' jail.
The judgement in the over 12-year-old case, was finally given today. The case saw many twists and turns and can now mar the career of the actor on whom ride investments of over Rs 200 crore.
The actor has claimed he was not at the wheel at the time of the accident which killed one person and left four others injured on the night of September 28, 2002. While the prosecution has insisted that a drunk Khan was driving the Toyota Land Cruiser that ran over the victims sleeping on the pavement outside a bakery in suburban Bandra, the actor has claimed it was his driver Ashok Singh who was behind the wheel.
The actor has been charged under IPC sections 304 part II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) which attracts up to 10 years in prison; 279 (rash and negligent driving) which stipulates six months jail; 337 & 338 (causing hurt by act endangering life and causing grievous hurt respectively) with punishment up to two years, and 427 (mischief causing damage to property) with maximum punishment of up to two years.
Under Motor Vehicles Act, Khan has been charged under Sections 34(a), (b) read with 181 (driving vehicle in contravention of rules) and 185 (driving at great speed after consuming alcohol).
He has also been charged under provisions of Bombay Prohibition Act relating to driving under influence of alcohol which provides for maximum six months' jail.
11:12 Judge tells Salman: You were behind the wheel
Just in: Proceedings begin. Judge DW Deshpande tells Salman Khan that you were the one behind the wheel. It is not possible that your driver was behind the wheel. He says all the charges against Salman Khan have been proved.
11:07
On Twitter, as Salmanverdict trends, a quip: "Sallu to judge: Mujh par ek ehsaan karna, ki mujh par koi ehsaan na karna."
11:03 Circus comes to the sessions court
A Salman Khan lookalike giving interviews at the sessions court. The proceedings are expected to begin at 11:15 am.
10:59 Salman's driver who claims he is guilty drove actor to court
Salman reached court and entered from gate no 3. The who drove him to court was his driver Ashok Singh, who has claimed to be guilty. The actor has claimed he was not at the wheel at the time of the accident which killed one person and left four others injured on the night of September 28, 2002.
While the prosecution has insisted that a drunk Khan was driving theToyota Land Cruiser that ran over the victims sleeping on thepavement outside a bakery in suburban Bandra, the actor hasclaimed it was his driver Ashok Singh who was behind thewheel. Driver Singh has endorsed the defence's claim.
While the prosecution has insisted that a drunk Khan was driving theToyota Land Cruiser that ran over the victims sleeping on thepavement outside a bakery in suburban Bandra, the actor hasclaimed it was his driver Ashok Singh who was behind thewheel. Driver Singh has endorsed the defence's claim.
10:52
In Kanpur, UP, prayers offered for Salman Khan.
10:46
Public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat (pictured) says that in the coming hours, the court will pronounce it's verdict. Verdict is expected at 11:15 am.
Gharat told reporters at the court, "We have tried to bring the truth and placed all facts in front of the court. Have tried our best."
Gharat told reporters at the court, "We have tried to bring the truth and placed all facts in front of the court. Have tried our best."
10:44 Salman reaches Mumbai court, waits outside courtroom
The actor was tried afresh under the harsher charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder which is punishable with imprisonment up to 10 years.
Abha Singh, lawyer and activist says that if it is indeed culpable homicide, the actor will be taken into custody immediately and he will then have to apply to the high court for bail.
Salman Khan is now waiting outside the courtroom.
Abha Singh, lawyer and activist says that if it is indeed culpable homicide, the actor will be taken into custody immediately and he will then have to apply to the high court for bail.
Salman Khan is now waiting outside the courtroom.
10:39
Salman Khan has arrived at the Sessions Court in Mumbai where the verdict will be read out today in the hit-and-run case. The court room is packed to capacity. The media has been told to switch off their phones.
10:36
In fact, it is Ashok Singh, his driver who took Salman Khan to court.
10:35 What the defence said
According to the defence it was Khan's driver, Ashok Singh, who was driving the SUV when the accident took place. The defence has claimed that the actor's blood sample sent for alcohol analysis could have been handled by a govt hospital ward boy who was drunk. Salman's lawyers also argued about the lack of expertise of the chemical analyst and alleged the blood sample was tampered with.
10:33 Salman's family arrives in court
Salman's brother Arbaaz, sisters Arpita and Alvira, the actor's manager Reshma Shetty, brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri and ex-Congress MLA Baba Siddiqui are at the court complex.
Salman is yet to arrive at the court.
Meanwhile, a Tamil outfit is protesting outside the court. They are seeking strict punishment for Salman in the hit-and-run case.
Image: Sonil Dedhia
10:25 WeLoveYouSalmanKhan hashtag trending on Twitter
Meanwhile, the Bollywood superstar's fans are going all out to express their support for him on twitter.
The hashtag #WeLoveYouSalmanKhan was the top trend on twitter this morning, with many fans saying that they were praying for the verdict to be in Salman's favour.
"I just want to request to all that please pray for @BeingSalmanKhan sir. Just forget the enmity and pray for him. #WeLoveYouSalmanKhan," tweeted Rahul Raut, a fan.
Another twitter user and Salman fan neeloferkhan wrote, "@BeingSalmanKhan I Love U salman my prayers always wid u."
10:21 Salman's sister Arpita thanks fans for support on 'big' day
Salman Khan's younger sister Arpita Khan Sharma has extended thanks to her brother's die-hard fans for their relentless support, ahead of the verdict today in the 2002 hit-and-run case involving him.
The 49-year-old actor is facing charges under IPC for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, which attracts maximum 10 years imprisonment.
"Today is a big day for us & we know we are not alone. Thank you for your Dua's, love & support always. God bless!" tweeted Arpita, who recently got married to Aayush Sharma in a lavish ceremony hosted by Salman.
09:56 Family prays for Salman, tight security at court
A strong posse of policemen has been deployed at the sessions court in Mumbai which is set to deliver its verdict today in the 2002 hit-and-run case involving Bollywood actor Salman Khan even as his family offered prayers ahead of the outcome.
At Salman's home in Galaxy Apartment in suburban Bandra, his family members -- mother Salma, brothers Arbaaz and Sohail Khan, sisters Alvira and Arpita have been offering prayers since last night.
"We are all eagerly waiting for the verdict and we hope all will go well," Salman's father and noted scriptwriter Salim Khan said.
The actor's mother has been visiting temples since a few days, family sources said.
Salman returned from Jammu and Kashmir yesterday where he had been shooting for his home production 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' which is due to release in July.
The actor arrived in the evening and spent time with his family at home, the sources added.
Judge D W Deshpande has summoned Salman to the sessions court at 11.15 am when the verdict is expected to be delivered in the over 13-year-old case.
09:44 Pakistan charges RAW with whipping up terror
The Hindu reports: Top Pakistan Army Commanders expressed serious concern at the alleged involvement by India's Research and Analysis Wing in 'whipping up' terrorism in Pakistan.
The issue came up for discussion at the corps commanders conference headed by Army chief General Raheel Sharif in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
"The conference also took a serious notice of RAW's involvement in whipping up terrorism in Pakistan," a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations said.
The statement comes days after the arrest of two Muttahida Qaumi Movement workers in Karachi for allegedly inciting violence at the behest of RAW.
09:32 Mani Ratnam hospitalised after chest pain, stable
Noted film director Mani Ratnam was admitted to a Delhi hospital late Tuesday (May 5) night after complaining of chest pain.
When contacted, doctors confirmed that the director was stable and said that his family does not want them to divulge any further details to the public.
Mani Ratnam, a Padma Shri awardee, is one of the most acclaimed directors of this era.
He works in mostly Tamil movies, but has made a mark in Bollywood as well with some award winning films like 'Roja', 'Bombay', 'Dil Se', 'Guru', 'Kannathil Muthammil' among others.
Just days ago, Mani Ratnam spoke to Shobha Warrier/Rediff.com about the bouquets and brickbats he's been subjected to in recent years.
Read that interview HERE
09:26 IB alerts home ministry over films on Sikh militancy
Mail Today reports: The Intelligence Bureau has alerted the home ministry about a spurt in the production of Punjabi films which could exploit Sikh sentiments.
In a report to the home ministry, the Intelligence Bureau has said that these films were based on issues like Operation Blue Star, which was carried out by the Indian Army inside the Golden Temple to flush out Sikh militants.
There is also a film on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, during which more than 3300 Sikhs were killed.
Some films also feature the alleged police atrocities during the height of militancy in Punjab.
These movies also portray erstwhile militants as saviours of the Sikh community.
Read more HERE
09:08 Rafale deal: Parrikar to meet French defence minister today
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will on Wednesday hold talks with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian to "launch negotiations" for the 36 Rafale fighter jets that India has decided to buy from France.
Drian arrived in New Delhi later last night after his visit to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The French Minister will meet Parrikar today during which he will "pursue" discussions on matters that were taken up during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France last month, a French embassy statement said.
This includes negotiations for the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft.
"The aim is to launch negotiations pursuant to the Indo-French Joint Statement of April 10," it said.
08:40 'Jihadi John Junior': ISIS releases video of 14-year-old executioner
In a grim reminder of British executioner Mohammed Emwazi also known as 'Jihadi John', the Islamic State has released a new video showing a 14-year-old teenage assassin executing an alleged Iraqi spy
According to a Daily Mail report, the video shows 'Jihadi John Junior' executing an alleged spy with a 9mm automatic pistol.
The report further adds that the video continues to show the boy loading the gun as his victim, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, kneels on ground.
The teenager, who is shown dressed in black with an Islamic State logo on his chest, then shoots the man dead and makes a statement to the United States, Russia and Europe vowing to wage terror on a global scale, according to the report.
However, the boy is never seen in the same frame when the fatal shots were fired, raising suspicions that the video has been carefully doctored to make it appear he was the executioner, though the shots were fired by an adult, as per the report.
08:36 After Rahul, Sonia may take on government in Parliament today
After Rahul Gandhi's recent attack on the government over farmers issues, Congress President Sonia Gandhi is expected to take on the Modi government in Parliament today on the matter.
Party sources said that Gandhi, who is also the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, could give notice for an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha today to discuss the "failure of institutional mechanism" in the country.
The issue is expected to be raised in the wake of key posts in key institutions lying vacant since Narendra Modi became prime minister almost a year ago.
An indication to this effect was available after a meeting the Congress chief had with the party members from the Lok Sabha.
Gandhi will be addressing the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party today.
04:06 French lawmakers approve sweeping new spying powers
French lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a new law on Tuesday granting the state sweeping powers to spy on its citizens despite criticism from rights groups that the bill is vague and intrusive.
The law has been in the works for some time but gained additional support after a jihadist killing spree in January that left 17 dead and saw the capital gripped with fear for three days.
03:52 French judges end enquiry into Arafat's 2004 death
French judges re-examining the evidence surrounding the 2004 death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat have concluded their investigations, the prosecutors office in the Paris suburb of Nanterre has said.
"The judges have closed their dossier and it was sent to the prosecutor on April 30," he said yesterday. The prosecutor now has three months to prepare his submissions on whether to dismiss the case or put it forward to court.
01:55 US offers multi-million dollar rewards for IS group leaders
The Obama administration is offering rewards of up to USD 20 million for information leading to the whereabouts of four top leaders of the Islamic State group.
Through its Rewards for Justice program, the State Department announced today that it would pay up to USD 7 million for information on Abd al-Rahman Mustafa al-Qaduli, up to USD 5 million each for Abu Mohammed al-Adnani and Tarkhan Tayumurazovich Batirashvili and up to USD 3 million for Tariq Bin-al-Tahar Bin al Falih al-'Awni al-Harzi.
01:34 Two dead in new Mexico oil rig accident
At least two workers died today as an oil maintenance platform tilted over the sea off Mexico's east coast, forcing the evacuation of 101 employees, the Pemex energy firm said.
The jackup rig, owned by a Pemex contractor named Typhoon Offshore, began to list in the Sound of Campeche area of the Gulf of Mexico after a "failure" in one of its movable legs, the company said in a statement.
00:42 60 bodies recovered in Nepal valley hit by quake, mudslide
Emergency workers have recovered the bodies of 60 people including nine foreigners who were killed when Nepal's earthquake triggered a mudslide that buried a village in the scenic Langtang Valley popular with tourists.
Residents of the village, also called Langtang, said today that as many as 200 people could have been killed by tons of earth and mud unleashed in the devastating April 25 quake.
00:30 Oldest complete copy of Ten Commandments displayed in Israel
The world's oldest complete copy of the Ten Commandments is going on rare display at Israel's leading museum in an exhibit tracing civilization's most pivotal moments.
The 2,000-year-old Dead Sea Scroll, from a collection of the world's most ancient biblical manuscripts discovered near the Dead Sea east of Jerusalem, has never before been publicly displayed in Israel and has only been shown in brief exhibits abroad, said Pnina Shor of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
00:29 Austria files complaint after reported German espionage
Austria lodged a legal complaint today following media claims that Germany helped the United States spy on European targets.
The complaint against an unnamed party was lodged concerning "secret intelligence to the detriment of Austria," Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner told the APA news agency.
00:26 Dozens feared dead in new migrant boat tragedy
Migrants frantically shimmied up ropes dangling from a towering cargo ship and others jumped into the water grasping at lifesavers. Five bodies were recovered in the latest Mediterranean rescue and more were feared drowned.
A video shot from the rescue ship and obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press provides a glimpse of the desperation of the tens of thousands of people trying to reach Europe on dinghies launched by human traffickers from Libya.
00:22 Rahul to visit Telangana next week, interact with farmers
After visiting Punjab and Maharashtra, where he reached out to farmers and listened to their woes, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi would tour Telangana next week to interact with agriculturists.
He would undertake a 'padayatra' (foot march) in Adilabad district on May 12, according to a Telangana Congress release issued tonight.
00:22 Pak army chief takes 'serious notice' of RAW's activities
Pakistan's army chief General Raheel Sharif today took "serious notice" of the alleged involvement of Indian intelligence agency RAW in "whipping up terrorism" in Pakistan, the military said.
The issue was discussed during the monthly conference of the meeting of Corps Commanders and principal staff officers in Rawalpindi. The meeting was presided over by Gen Sharif.
00:21 Top headlines in that last 24 hours
Rijiju clarifies, says Dawood lives in Pakistan
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Nepal takes charge of post-quake ops as toll mounts to 7,557
Differences in DCW come to fore on summoning Kumar Vishwas
Where is Dawood? One question, many answers in Parliament
Rise above partisan politics: Jaitley's plea to Opposition on GST Bill
Chopping of Kerala prof's hand: Quantum of punishment on May 8
5 days on, Bihar cops clueless about abducted doctor, wife
Why does Destiny play favourites?
Time for Modi to lead from the front
EXCLUSIVE! 'You can't run a system in democracy with just fear'
Lessons Modi needs to learn from Manmohan
Salman hit-and-run case verdict on Wednesday
Inside Nepal: Escaping the avalanche to feed puri-bhaji to survivors
Prof whose arm was chopped in attack: 'I have forgiven my attackers'
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