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.
- 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.
When the news broke that Salman's bodyguard Ravindra Patil had witness the whole thing.
When the trials court convicted Salman's hapless car.
When Salman's car got bail.
When Salman's driver declared that he was the one driving that fateful night.
Shift scene to 2015: Exonerated of all charges. Free to go home.
Miracles do happen. Happy New Year, Salman Khan fans.