Actor Salman Khan on Friday expressed concern over a large number of original documents in the 2002 hit-and-run case against him going missing.
"The first FIR sent to the court, three statements taken under section 164 (of the Criminal Procedure Code), and panchnamas are the only original documents available," advocate Shrikant Shivde, appearing for Salman Khan, told the court. The other evidence is in the form of true copies.
Mr Shivde said the original copies of only seven of the 63 witness statements were available. "We are supplied with true copies, not original copies. There are differences between the true copies and the original copies. In the original FIR, there are glaring mistakes. The prosecution's side has been changed. This is a serious matter," he said.
He emphasised on the availability of the original documents, and said they were essential to compare with the true copies. "If there are any interpolations and omissions in the original copies, and it isn't reflected in the true copies, what can we do? Ultimately, the accused will be prejudiced," he submitted.
The prosecution said it was in the process of tracing the documents and sought more time, which was granted. The court will now hear the matter on August 21.
Meanwhile, the actor was not present in the court on Friday. On the day his movie 'Kick' released in theatres, he sought an exemption from appearance. Since no witnesses were to be examined on Friday, Salman pleaded that he was not required for identification, and should be granted exemption. The court allowed it.
