Salim Khan Denies Salman Khan's Involvement in Baba Siddique's Murder and Blackbuck Poaching Case

Trigger Warning: This article discusses themes of death, hunting, and poaching.

Salim Khan, the father of Bollywood star Salman Khan, has firmly stated that his son is innocent of the 1998 blackbuck poaching allegations. The respected screenwriter emphasized that Salman has a true love for animals. Salman Khan often grabs headlines, but the blackbuck poaching case still lingers. 

In 1998, he was accused of killing two Chinkaras near Jodhpur while filming Hum Saath Saath Hain with Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam. After a complaint from the Bishnoi community, Salman was arrested and later released on bail. Salim Khan has now stepped up to defend his son.

In an interview with ABP Live, Salim shared that Salman cares deeply for animals. He recalled how Salman looked after his sick dog and cried when it passed away. When asked if he was involved in the poaching, Salman insisted he wasn't at the scene. “Aur vo mujhse jhooth nhi bolega. Usko nhi hai shouk jaanwar maarne ka. Janwaro se mohabbat karta hai vo.” (He won’t lie to me. Salman doesn’t have a liking for hunting animals. He loves them.) Salim reiterated his son's innocence during the interview.

The Economic Times reported that Salman was convicted under the Wildlife Protection Act and sentenced to five years in prison, with a fine of Rs 25,000. He spent nearly a week in Jodhpur Central Jail before his sentence was suspended. In 2016, he was acquitted due to lack of evidence linking him to the killings. However, the case was reopened after the Rajasthan Government appealed, resulting in a five-year term for Salman in 2018 while other actors were released.

Salim Khan also addressed the threats to his son from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. He stated, “Kyun maange maafi? Has he done anything wrong?” He emphasized that they have never harmed animals, insisting that demanding an apology implies guilt.

Despite the threats, Salman continues to work on his projects, including Sikander and Bigg Boss 18, while ensuring his safety with increased security.