Arrest warrant issued against Salman

Rajasthan: A court in Jodhpur has issued arrest warrants against actor Salman Khan and two others accused of killing a black buck in September 1998.

The actor allegedly shot and killed three black bucks near Mathania in Jodhpur district during the shooting of Sooraj Barjatya's film Hum Saath Saath Hain.

The actor has been asked to appear in court on the January 12.

On September 28, 1998 Salman Khan along with actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, Sonali Bendre and Satish Shah were accused of poaching three black bucks.

After massive demonstrations by the local Bishnoi community over the killings, forest officials filed two cases of poaching against Salman and 15 others on October 11, 1998.

Two other cases were filed against Salman for possessing and using illegal weapons

While everyone else was granted bail, Salman Khan was arrested and jailed. He was released on bail on October 17.

If found guilty of killing and poaching, Salman may face up to six years in jail as black bucks are listed as endangered and are covered by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

In June 2000, a charge sheet was filed in the Jodhpur court and so far, the prosecution has produced before the court, 69 out of 84 witnesses in both the cases.

Salman Khan is also facing a trial in the September 2002 hit and run case in Mumbai court.

The actor allegedly ran his car over five people sleeping on the pavement at Bandra in Mumbai. One person died and four others were injured inn the incident.