The emotional journey of Salman Khan fans since 2002, in GIFs

In 2002, Salman Khan's Toyota Land Cruiser drove itself into a bakery, running over five people sleeping on the pavement. One died, and four were injured. Believed to be under the influence, the wily Toyota, who was accompanied by a helpless Salman Khan, fled the scene.

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• The primary eye witness of this hit-and-run case, Salman's bodyguard Ravindra Patil, told the court what had really happened that night. He told the court that the Toyota was returning from a night-out with friends, and it had been speeding. But the trial court found him to be 'unreliable' and Patil died in 2007 of tuberculosis.

• The other eye witness from the bakery turned hostile.

• By now there were rumours that Salman's car was actually a Decepticon, out to destroy the actor's reputation.

• Fans and friends of the actor started queuing up to show support for the cornered SUV. If convicted, it could ruin the career of one Bollywood's most popular car.

• Out of the blue, Salman's driver who'd been asleep while all this had been happening, decided to own up to the crime. He was the one who had been driving. #HudHudDabanggDabangg

Fast-forward to 2015:

• All headlines scream out simultaneously: Salman's SUV gets acquitted for the 2002 hit-and-run case.

Phew. It's been a loooooong painful, and rather bumpy ride for Salman fans, so we've decided to simplify it for you.

Here's the emo fan-feel timeline from 2002 to now:

2002: Salman's SUV hits headlines. Fans collectively gasp in horror. Shed a tear. Prayed for mercy.

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When the news broke that Salman's bodyguard Ravindra Patil had witness the whole thing.

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When the trials court convicted Salman's hapless car.

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When Salman's car got bail.

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When Salman's driver declared that he was the one driving that fateful night.

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Shift scene to 2015: Exonerated of all charges. Free to go home.

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Miracles do happen. Happy New Year, Salman Khan fans.