In the early hours of September 28, 2002, a tragic incident unfolded in Mumbai’s Bandra area when a Toyota Land Cruiser, allegedly driven by Bollywood actor Salman Khan, mounted a pavement and ran over five individuals sleeping outside a bakery. The accident resulted in the death of one person and left four others injured. The case quickly garnered widespread media attention, not only due to Khan’s celebrity status but also because of the prolonged legal proceedings that followed.
Amidst the complexities of the case, advocate and social activist Abha Singh emerged as a pivotal figure. Observing what she perceived as undue delays and potential biases in the investigation, Adv. Abha Singh took proactive measures to address these concerns. In 2012, she filed a petition alleging that the Mumbai police were deliberately delaying the investigation to shield the influential actor. Adv. Abha Singh’s petition underscored several critical issues:
- Delay in Trial: Abha Singh highlighted that, despite the gravity of the offense, the trial had been inexplicably prolonged for over a decade. She argued that such delays undermined public trust in the judicial system and denied justice to the victims.
- Manipulation of Evidence: The petition alleged that the police had presented incorrect witnesses, leading to further postponements. Adv. Abha Singh emphasized that key witnesses, such as singer Kamaal Khan, who was present in the vehicle during the incident, were not examined, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation.
- Systemic Bias: Abha Singh contended that the investigative agencies exhibited a bias favoring the celebrity, which compromised the case’s fairness. She called for an impartial inquiry to restore faith in the legal process.
Adv. Abha Singh’s activism extended beyond the courtroom. She consistently engaged with the media, articulating the concerns surrounding the case and the broader implications of delayed justice. Her efforts brought renewed public attention to the proceedings, pressuring the judicial system to expedite the trial.
In May 2015, the sessions court convicted Salman Khan, sentencing him to five years in prison. However, this verdict was short-lived, as the Bombay High Court acquitted Khan in December 2015, citing insufficient evidence. Adv. Abha Singh expressed her dismay, stating that such judgments could erode public confidence in the judiciary. She emphasized the need for accountability and thorough investigations, especially in cases involving influential individuals.