Entertainment Gist ( celebs, salman Khan Conviction)

Salman Khan's conviction in
fatal hit-and-run tossed
U.S.

Story highlights
A lower court had sentenced him to five years in
prison
The deadly events took place more than 12 years
ago
Hong Kong (CNN)— Bollywood superstar Salman
Khan, who was facing a lengthy prison sentence
for a fatal hit-and-run, got a reprieve when the
Mumbai High Court tossed out his conviction.
The High Court said he can't be found guilty
based on the evidence presented, local media
reported Thursday.
"On basis of evidences produced by the
prosecution, the appellant cannot be convicted,
no matter how differently the common man
thinks," the court said.
Khan, one of India's most bankable stars, was
sentenced by a lower court on May 6 to five years
in prison for allegedly running over several men
sleeping on a Mumbai pavement, and killing one
of them.
He appealed.
The high court's decision will undoubtedly be
welcome news to the Indian film industry. His
absence could have cost the industry more than
$31 million, trade analysts say.
The 49-year-old Khan's stature in Bollywood can't
be overstated. He is Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and
George Clooney rolled into one -- oozing sex
appeal and machismo in the more than 80 movies
he's starred in.
In its list of the best looking man in the world,
People Magazine once placed him at no. 7. He
has a rabid fan base (with 15 million Twitter
followers), and has enjoyed an unheard-of two-
decade reign at the top.
The hit and run
The hit-and-run incident took place outside a
Mumbai bakery more than 12 years ago, in
September 2002.
Prosecutors said Khan ran over five sleeping men
after losing control of his sports utility vehicle.
He was returning from a bar after a night of
drinking, they said.
One of the victims was killed; the others injured.
The actor contended he wasn't the driver.
Prosecutors said he left the scene after the
crash.
The High Court questioned the account of Khan's
bodyguard, a key prosecution witness. The
bodyguard, Ravindra Patil, was the one who told
authorities Khan was driving drunk.
Patil died in 2007.
"Ravindra Patil cannot be considered a wholly
reliable witness," the court said.
Who is Salman Khan?