Gamblers busy betting Salman Khan's future, filmmakers apprehensive

Mumbai, May 5: More than Rs 2000 crore have been reportedly placed on bet over the verdict on the hit-and-run case involving Bollywood actor Salman Khan which is due on Wednesday. Even betting is taking place in small cities like Patna and Lucknow over the verdict. [Know about Salman Khan's hit-and-run case]

According to bookies here, Salman Khan has more chance to be convicted. The rate of ‘satta bazaar' in Mumbai is: convicted 28 paise, acquitted 80 paise per Rupee betted.

Cities like Chandigarh and Patna are giving good returns on the actor's conviction. In Chandigarh, rates for conviction are Rs 10 while for acquittal, it is Rs 2. In Patna, rates for conviction are Rs 60, and for acquittal, it is Rs 40.

The verdict is, however, giving sleepless nights to film-makers and producers whose projects involve the actor. As per trade analysts, near about Rs 150 crore are riding on two of Khan's films, namely, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Bajrangi Bhaijaan while another Rs 50 crores are riding for other ventures.

If the 49-year-old actor is jailed for three years, business worth Rs 1,000 crore will suffer, say analysts.

Khan is facing the trial for nearly 13 years. The incident happened in Bandra on September 28, 2002, when Khan's car overran pavement dwellers, killing one and injuring four. He was accused of losing control of his SUV after drinking at an upmarket bar and fleeing the scene.

Khan was charged under Section 304 II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which can lead to upto 10 years in prison; Section 279 (rash and negligent driving) attracting a punishment of six month jail; Sections 337 and 338 (causing hurt by act endangering life and causing grievous hurt) with punishment up to two years; and Section 427 (mischief causing damage to property) with maximum punishment of up to two years.

Oneindia News