ONE of Bollywood’s biggest heart-throbs was sentenced yesterday to a year in prison after being found guilty of poaching rare antelope from the Indian desert. In a case that has lasted for seven years, Salman Khan, who has starred in more than 25 Indian films, had been charged with killing two protected blackbucks in the Thar desert during a break in filming in 1998.

He also was fined 5,000 rupees (£65) by the court in Jodphur, Rajasthan, 480km (300 miles) southwest of Delhi. After the verdict was announced, fans outside the court held placards and chanted: “Long live Salman Khan.” They were dispersed by police. Also present were members of the local Bishnoi community, which reveres the antelope as sacred and had pressed for Khan to be charged.

Although in court yesterday, the actor had failed to turn up earlier during the case, citing the rather unexpected excuse that he was recovering from hair implants.

With a reputation for reckless and wild behaviour, Khan has been the talk of the town at many an industry party. His brash reputation was fuelled by rumours of less-than-gentlemanly conduct towards a girlfriend, including an incident in which he reportedly poured a bottle of Coke over her head. Another girlfriend, Aishwarya Rai — a former Miss World and also an actress — alleged that Khan had beaten her up and cheated on her during their relationship.

This is not the first time that the actor has fallen foul of the law. He is on bail for a case in Bombay, accused of killing a homeless person and injuring three others when he drove into a group of them sleeping on the pavement. He denies all ten charges.

On screen Khan is known for playing macho yet hopelessly romantic heroes, who fight passionately in the name of love.

Bollywood insiders say that they are worried about the impact of his incarceration on the industry, with at least three films involving him delayed indefinitely.

“It’s not just Salman who will suffer. Producers connected with him will be hurt,” Taran Adarsh, editor of the Bombay-based Trade Guide magazine, said.

Khan’s lawyers said that they would appeal against the sentence. “He is innocent,” Dipesh Mehta said. “His stand has always been that he did not kill any blackbuck and he was wrongly implicated.”

Seven others accused in the case were acquitted.

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