Salman's absence in court may go against him

JAIL FOR SALMAN: Salman's hopes for acquital have fallen flat with this verdict.

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Jodhpur: Salman Khan may have tried to put up a brave front by posing for cameras at his home in Mumbai on Friday evening, but the anxiety was evident.

Earlier in the day, the actor failed to show up at the Jodhpur court hearing his appeal on a five-year jail sentence for shooting a chinkara in 1998. But that didn't stop the court from upholding the sentence, and rejecting the actor's appeal for 10 days time to surrender.

Salman's absence, some say, could well go against him.

Says widlife conservationist, Ashok Kumar, "Judges don't like this kind of behaviour. There are already three cases pending against him. This action could be deliberate. His conduct will be questioned."

Salman's lawyer's had a variety of excuses for his no-show. First, his lawyer in Jodhpur said he was ill, then local lawyers said he had missed his flight, and finally his Mumbai lawyer said he hadn't turned up because the judge hadn't asked him to.

For the Bishnois campaigning against the actor, the verdict was only too welcome.

Says lawyer for the Bishnoi community, Mahipal Bishnoi, " Bishnoi community is more than happy. We thank the court."

An arrest warrant has been issued against Salman and a Rajasthan Police team will be sent to Mumbai on Saturday to arrest him. But by the time they get there, the actor's lawyers are likely to have applied for bail.

Salman's hopes for acquittal have fallen flat with this verdict. He's running out of options and legal troubles for him are only increasing.