Hyderabad based DNA expert to depose in Salman case

The Hyderabad connection of this case is a piece of evidence that the prosecution has asked for – a DNA report by Dr Rao and his team.

Speaking to DC, Dr Rao said, “I have received a warrant to appear next Monday before the Jodhpur court.”

Speaking about his contribution to the case, he said, “In 1999 – 2000 it was an uphill task to exclusively match blackbuck DNA. The team used blackbuck specific DNA markers for this case to successfully identify the dead animals. The buried carcass of the animals was that of a blackbuck. This is a first of its kind – applying DNA technology in wildlife conservation – it is a highly conclusive report providing the identity of the animals and there is no question of anything being wrong in the report.”

Killing of endangered species is punishable with three to seven years in jail. The actor also has three poaching cases against him and has twice spent time in Jodhpur jail - in April 2006 and again in August 2007 - in two of those cases, with his appeal pending in the Rajasthan High Court.

It may be recalled that Salman Khan was charged with poaching three chinkaras and a blackbuck near Jodhpur in September and early October of 1998, while shooting for the film Hum Saath Saath Hain.

Salman is the main accused in the case, along with the co-accused, actresses Sonali Bendre, Neelam, Tabu and Saif Ali Khan. The animals were killed on the outskirts of Kankani village near Jodhpur and are endangered species under the Wildlife Protection Act.