In a major setback to Bollywoodactor Salman Khan, a Magistrate's court here today acceptedthe plea of the Maharashtra government that he should be triedunder section 304 (II) of Indian Penal Code (culpable homicidenot amounting to order), a graver offence, in the 2002 hit andrun case.
At present, Salman is being tried under section 304 (I),(rash and negligent driving) which attracts maximum punishmentof two years. Section 304 (II) attracts the maximum sentenceof ten years.
Following today's order, the Magistrate committed thecase to Sessions court for trial, as the offence is serious.
"Salman would have to appear before the Sessions court onFebruary 11," said his lawyer, advocate Dipesh Mehta.
On September 28, 2002, Khan's Toyota Land Cruiser,allegedly being driven by him, rammed into a bakery insuburban Bandra, killing one and injuring four others who weresleeping on the pavement.
The trial before the Bandra Magistrate's court started in2006.