Salman behind bars: Victims waiting for compensation

Salman Khan the `Bhai’ of bollywood literally broke down when the judge pronounced the quantum of the punishment. But he has committed a crime due to which one man lost his life and his family forced to suffer.

There is no doubt that Salman Khan has done many philanthropical works. But at the end of the day the truth remains is he was responsible for the brutal death of a poor man who was sleeping on the footpath.

Coming to stardom with blockbusters like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Apke Hai Kaun, Salman was happy dating beautiful girls from the film industry. Be it Sangeetha Bijlan I or Somi Ali, Salman maintained close relationship with number of actresses of Hindi film industry. But the trouble started when he started seeing coastal beauty Aishwarya Rai. Rai was well settled in the bollywood when Sanjya Leela Bansali paired her against Salman Khan in `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’.  Salman and Aishwarya fell in love during the shooting. But what Salman didn’t know was this relationship going to change his life forever.  After many hiccups finally Aishwarya decided to part ways with Salman. But Salman was not ready to give up his lady love. The difference of opinions landed the couple in many controversies.

Finally Aishwarya publicly announced that she has broken all types of relationship with Salman Khan. The most eligible bachelor of bollywood slowly started ruining his life. The 2002, September 28 hit and run case was one of the outcomes of this spoiled relationship, many believe.  

On the fateful night Salman drove his Toyota land Cruiser on four people sleeping on the footpath near American Express Bakery in Bandra, killing one person and injuring three people. Salman and his friends fled away from the site soon after the incident.

It’s been thirteen years since then. The life of Salman Khan and the victims has changed a lot since. Salman went on to act in big hit movies and became `Bhai’ of Bollywood. There was a reason for that Salman had introduced numerous new faces into film industry from music directors Himesh Reshammiya, Sajid –Wajid to successful actress like Katrina Kaif all came from Salman camp.

The victim’s world also changed in the other way. The deceased person’s wife made agreement with the life and lived on with her children, the injured person who lost his leg in the incident somehow leading his life. They almost forgot the incident that happened thirteen years ago. Afterall time heals the scars no matter how big they are.

Salman has been sent to jail for five years. It is a welcome judgment from the court. But at the same time the victim’s families needed to be compensated as they have lost their main bread earner and another person lost his leg.

Mohammed Kalim who lost his leg in the incident says he doesn’t bother about conviction of Salman Khan. All he wants is compensation.   “How do we benefit if he is sent to jail? I received Rs 1.5 lakh in compensation but it was spent on my treatment. We’re poor and the jail term won’t fill our stomachs.” This is what Kalim’s reaction to the verdict.

Another victim Abdullah Rauf Shaikh said he had received a compensation of Rs. 3 lakh but he had to pay Rs. 1.2 lakh towards lawyer fees. The wife of Nurullah Mehboob Sharif, who died in the accident also insist for a higher compensation. "We were told we will get a compensation of Rs 10 lakh, but what will we do of that amount at this time of inflation” she lament. She wants a job for his son which would help them in leading a prosperous life.

The judiciary works on its own terms and everybody must respect it. But prolonged delay effects the mindset of the people.