2002 hit-and-run case: Salman Khan may face up to 10 years in jail

Mumbai: In a major setback to Salman Khan, a Magistrate's Court in Mumbai on Thursday accepted the plea of the Maharashtra government that the actor should be tried under section 304 (II) of Indian Penal Code (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), a graver offence, in the 2002 hit-and-run-case.

Currently, Khan is being tried under section 304 (I), (rash and negligent driving) which attracts maximum punishment of two years. But under section 304 (II), he can be sentenced to imprisonment of maximum 10 years.

Following the order, the Magistrate committed the case to the Sessions Court for trial, as the offence is serious. "Salman Khan would have to appear before the Sessions Court on February 11," said his lawyer, Advocate Dipesh Mehta.

Following the order, the Magistrate committed the case to the Sessions Court for trial, as the offence is serious.

On September 28, 2002, Khan's Toyota Land Cruiser, allegedly being driven by him, rammed into a bakery in suburban Bandra, killing one and injuring four others who were sleeping on the pavement. The trial before the Bandra Magistrate's Court started in 2006. Advocate Mehta also said that the actor would challenge the order in the Bombay High Court.

(With additional information from PTI)

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