Mumbai Police admit to lapses in Salman case

In what is being seen as an admission to lapses and goof-ups in the 13-year-old alleged drunken-driving and hit-and-run case involving actor Salman Khan, the Mumbai Police has issued a 16-point circular to police stations.

The force cited various aspects like the way evidence was collected and tendered, the alterations of FIR, chain of custody of blood samples and the way witnesses were handled.

The circular was issued last week by Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) K M M Prasanna and it has become one of the most-discussed issues within the police force.

“Yes, a circular has been issued vis-a-vis the Salman Khan case and in general what guidelines needs to be followed in handling similar cases,” a senior official attached to the Mumbai police commissionerate told Deccan Herald on Tuesday.

On May 6 this year, Additional Sessions Judge D W Deshpande convicted Salman Khan under the grave charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and sentenced him to undergo a rigorous imprisonment of five years.

 However, on December 10, Justice A R Joshi reversed the order and has acquitted him of all charges.

The Maharashtra government has decided to appeal in the Supreme Court.
One of the things that has been pointed out is the way the police handled the issue of Kamaal Khan who was a friend of the actor and present in the car at the time of the accident.

Kamaal was also listed as witness both before the Magistrate's Court at Bandra and at the Mumbai Sessions Court.

Extensive focus was given in the circular on the way bills were collected from Rain Bar and Restaurant at Vile Parle and also collections of evidence like parking tag from the JW Marriott at Juhu.